[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 153 (Wednesday, October 10, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2110]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF IMPROVING THE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATE 
                            OF FOSTER YOUTH

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                           HON. JERRY WELLER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 10, 2007

  Mr. WELLER of Illinois. Madam Speaker, today I introduced a 
resolution to recognize the importance of improving the high school 
graduation rate of foster youth. I was accompanied by my colleagues Jim 
McDermott, the Chairman of the Income Security and Family Support 
Subcommittee on which I serve as ranking Republican, Phil English, and 
John Lewis.
  A recent series of hearings in the subcommittee reflected on the fact 
that school stability and high school completion are strongly 
associated with better outcomes for young people making the transition 
to adulthood. We know that connecting kids with their schools means 
strengthening the circle of friends, teachers, coaches, and other 
mentors that can help them become more independent and develop the 
habits and skills needed to succeed for life on their own.
  Over 20,000 youth ``age out'' of the Nation's foster care system each 
year. Among many serious challenges, these young people have lower high 
school graduation rates, higher rates of homelessness, and a greater 
chance of becoming incarcerated than other youth their age. Too many 
youth who age out of foster care stumble and fall on their way to 
adulthood. Some never recover. Others find their way only through 
extraordinary personal effort, the involvement of dedicated relatives 
and other adults, a little luck, or all of the above.
  We should be doing everything we can to increase high school 
completion rates in general. And for kids in foster care, it is 
especially important for them to stay connected to their school and 
complete high school. Such action will give former foster youth a solid 
start on their way to a successful adulthood. That is in everyone's 
interest.

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