Originally Posted by
ballengerb1
I agree with Fr_Chuck, I never had a foster child after the age of 18. Once they were of age the system drops them. They could have continued to live with me voluntarily and maybe that is an option for you too.
Same in NYS - they age out at 18. If the foster parent wants the child to stay and that is the child's choice, the child can but there is no guarantee benefits/subsidies will continue. It's by application. There are special circumstances - such as physical or mental conditions - under which foster care payments can and do continue. The child does not receive the flat amount given when he/she leaves the foster care system until he/she actually leaves - it is not related to the child's age in any way.
The NY Times had an article referring to children "aging out" at age 18. It specificially refers to problem children who at one time could age out at 16 but now cannot until age 18 and makes reference to all children.
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http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpag...53C1A9649C8B63.
In many States - including NY - you cannot be a foster parent if you are under age 18.
http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/fos...quirements.asp
I find this to be the law in every other State I checked.