Op-Ed: Helping L.A.'s foster kids grow up

Dr. Stephen Metraux, a USciences Associate Professor of Health Policy, and colleagues had an op-ed published in the LA Times today based on the research they are doing in LA - Helping L.A.'s foster kids grow up: A new California law will allow young people to receive support until the age of 21, rather than forcing them to fend for themselves at 18.

"If successful, programs that provide additional supports to foster youth are likely to generate substantial economic benefits, both for the young people and for the public purse. Having more foster youth excelling in the college classroom, on the job and in their own homes means that fewer will be filling jail cells, hospital beds and shelters. This will free up much-needed public resources for other uses."

Read the Op Ed here: http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-culhane-fosterkids-20120102,0,7238921.story