At 16, Sofia entered foster care as a new mother with nowhere else to go. Her own home hadn’t been a safe or supportive environment, kicking her out when she got pregnant. With no guardian to return to after giving birth, she found herself in foster care, raising a baby in an unfamiliar home.
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — Approximately 70 foster youth in Middle Tennessee celebrated educational achievements ranging from high school equivalency to college degrees at a special event in Franklin.
More than 70 young adults with experience in the foster care system in Middle Tennessee gathered to celebrate graduations ranging from HiSET (high school equivalency) certificates to post-secondary degrees.
Twelve children officially joined their forever families in an adoption event hosted by Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria at the Governor’s Mansion this May.
A Tennessee bill with bipartisan support could give more young adults who have aged out of the foster care system the safety net they need, longer. The bill, which comes from Gov. Bill Lee’s administration, would increase the qualifying age to receive benefits under the Extension of Foster Care program from 18 to 21 years old, to 18 to 23 years old.
After his mom died when he was 14 years old, Isaiah and his brother entered the care of their grandmother. Sadly, their grandmother died soon after, leading them to be placed in the foster care system.
HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — You’ve probably heard, there’s a continuing problem with finding homes to place teens in the foster care system. Hearing that problem, one woman has taken on the matter in a truly amazing way.
Five young adults who aged out of foster care at 18 years old vulnerably shared their experience transitioning to adulthood after spending most of their childhood in state custody.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Every year, nearly 20,000 young people age out of the foster care system across the country—more than 800 of them right here in Tennessee. Without a strong support system, many face overwhelming challenges, including homelessness, substance abuse, and incarceration.
Youth Villages wrapped up their annual Holiday Heroes campaign. In 2024 they set a new record, making sure nearly 3,000 foster kids had gifts to open on Christmas morning.