[Sissy22]

does anyone know if an 18 yr old foster child completes a Ged program are they able to stay in foster care or is that when they transition them to Independent lving ? the way I understood they can stay a foster child until they graduate high school . but I wasn't sure about Ged's and working ?

[tylind23]

I'm not exactly sure how GEDs affect foster care status. However, I run a GED program and can tell you that a GED means that they have completed high school. So, if they can stay a foster child until they complete high school, the GED would accomplish that. If you have any questions related to the GED, I can give you more specifics about that.

[Vitality08]

Some places fk and remain in care until 21. I think they have to go to college or vocational training or something like that.

I would look into all the options because I have a friend that aged out of fc in NY. At 18 she "signed her self out" even though she could have stayed until 21. Her cw tried to urge her to stay but she was ready to get out the system. Now at 30 she says that was the worst mistake of her life that lead to even more mistakes.

[Sissy22]

she's starting the GED classes tomorrow I just wondered what her status would be once finished. but thanks for letting me know in case more questions come up later.

[expecting]

I live in NC and our previous foster daughter was in a GED program at about 17.5 years old. Getting the GED affected her foster status in no way except the positive...in NC they have cash incentives to complete the program (!). And at 18, "K" had the option of volunarily putting herself in DSS custody...that way she could stay in the foster care system (until 21 I believe). That is just how it worked out for us, but I could not imagine that completing the GED would have a negative impact.

[Sissy22]

they haven't said she has to leave once she completes the GED program I guess I just never heard of an 18 yr old that's not going to school still in the system. would it be her decision to stay in foster care or sign out ?