There has been so much talk about young adults aging out of foster care or adoptive homes. Many of which do not have a clue as to what they want to do with their life.

Many Foster/Adoptive Parents try and help the kids get their first job and their first apartment or car. For those lucky enough to keep working on their education and go on to college, there are a lot of grants and student support systems out there for them.

It is the young teens who have not finished high school and have not had their first job who have no clue as to what life is really about. For those teens many of the parents are so burnt out from raising them they no longer wish to try and play an important role in helping the child make life decisions.

DHS (Department of Human Services) are often involved with some of these teens. Many who have police records for different issues. DHS steps in and works with the child to find an Independant Living situation.

Some of these young adults are placed into a group home setting with other people just like them. Learning the basics of working, having a checking account, paying bills and buying food. They learn the structure of independent living.

One of the first things they learn is that it is not so easy. For many finding a job that will pay their rent is very difficult. So DHS usually helps with rent and utilities until the young person can find a better job to supply their own needs.

In talking with six individuals involved in the local program in our community, I listened to them say how they wish they had stayed in school or listened to their parents more. One young lady is pregnant and her worry is for raising her own child. Those who were working said that it was so hard to get used to having to get up and get dressed and show up for a job every day.

At the end of our discussion we all agreed that there are many other things in life than sleeping, eating and playing games. Those things were for childhood. There is little room for that type of luxury in their present every day lives.

For all of those teens nearing the end of their rope. Wanting to stay out late and sleep all day. Party all night and break all the rules. Maybe they should stop in and talk to some of their fellow young adults now living on the Independant Living Plans.

The time to save and make plans for the future is now. Not waiting until adulthood slips up and bites you on the bottom. When you are at the bottom of the rope and there is nothing but empty space underneath you.

Maybe a little more respect for your parents will help convince them to help you safely land on your feet.