BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A foster family agency in Bakersfield is asking for $1 million from the city to provide housing for the growing number of homeless foster youth, according to the Bakersfield City Council meeting agenda for Wednesday.
The Point in Time Count, which provides an annual snapshot view of homelessness in Kern County, shows 30-40% of the homeless youth between 18 and 24 years old in 2020-2021 came from the foster care system, according to the agenda.
This population is growing rapidly, city officials said.
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According to the agenda, children from the foster care system are more vulnerable to housing insecurity due to having no family support system, experiencing multiple placements, challenges in school and other traumatic experiences…