Many young men and women in foster care lack support after their 18th birthdays. A new program in Kansas, SOUL Family Legal Permanency, aims to address this issue by connecting those in foster care with individuals or families for a lifelong bond.

Bonnie Toombs, the director of the Respect Life and Social Justice Office, highlighted the importance of supporting young people in foster care. “Helping and making a connection to young men and women who will be aging out of the system – on their own, without support – literally can change a life. I invite all to consider how they might be called to support those in foster care or support those providing foster care.” Those interested can contact Toombs at [email protected] or 316-269-3935. More information about the program is available on KVC Kansas’ website at kvckansas.org/SOUL.

When individuals in foster care turn 18, the state cuts all legal ties. Consequently, many develop substance abuse issues, are less likely to finish high school, become susceptible to sex traffickers, and face other challenges that peers with family support do not encounter.

SOUL Family Legal Permanency seeks to connect teens in foster care with caring adults who would provide support, opportunities, unity, and legal relationships (SOUL) as they transition into adulthood.

Linda Bass, president of KVC Kansas, noted that several hundred young adults leave the foster care system annually in Kansas without any form of legal permanency. “Nationwide it’s tens of thousands of young adults,” she said from her Olathe office. “We know from the data that the outcomes around mental health, employment, relationships, stability – those are all very poor for young adults who exit foster care without the connection and stability of a family like we want for everyone.”

The SOUL program aims to reduce the number of young adults who "age out" of the system without permanency. “This particular permanency option was developed with young adult involvement, family involvement, and real partnership between those who have experienced foster care firsthand as recipients of the service and professionals working in the field,” Bass said.

Bass emphasized that youth participation has improved the program's development. The connections formed may involve teachers, coaches, or family friends providing long-term relationships. For example, a college student could spend holidays with their SOUL family.

“These would be individuals who they love and are connected to...that serve as that safety net support system we would want for all young adults,” Bass stated.

Youth lacking these connections often struggle more significantly and have fewer resources during difficult times. “We would never want anyone young or old to have to navigate a difficult situation or be alone on a holiday or any other day of the year,” she added.

The SOUL program was designed in partnership with the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Kansas is pioneering this permanency option for those in foster care while other states are considering similar initiatives.

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