by Angela Peavey and Deb Havens

Teens from Saugatuck High School present an in-depth look at the question of teen homelessness as experienced by young people in the foster care system at the “Intriguing Conversation” series on Thursday, February 12. The program at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts (400 Culver Street, Saugatuck, MI) begins at 7:00 p.m.; free admission. For more information click on the link

Saugatuck HS Teens Present Research on Homelessness

The issue of teen homelessness is quite complex. According to Bethany Christian Services, a big challenge is children who turn 18 in the Michigan foster care system. About 30% of the youth that age out of the foster care system end up homeless within 2 years.

Currently, there are 292 children in the state of Michigan between the ages of 8 – 17 in foster care awaiting adoption.  Without a permanent home, they are turned out of the system with no home, no job, no pathway to education and no support systems.