Sahar McGill & Tristan Slough.
Right now, there are more than 8,000 young people in Tennessee’s foster care system – they face challenges which do not end once they are 18.
A recent study by Belmont University reports that 70-80% of young people who age out of foster care without adequate support face homelessness, addiction, imprisonment and mental illness by the age of 21. Today we speak with two Nashvillians who both found themselves in foster care. We’ll hear about their stories, the support that made a difference for them, and how they are both dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others who are navigating similar experiences. Join us!
This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys and Mary Mancini.
TODAY’S GUESTS
- Sahar McGill, former foster youth, Youth Villages Life Set specialist
- Tristan Slough, former foster youth, Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) Student Resource Coordinator
FURTHER READING
- Learn more about foster care, resources, and becoming a foster parent through the Tennessee Department of Children Services.
- Check out Youth Villages to find out more about support services for youth and becoming a foster parent.
- Belmont University | Every Child Tennessee: Foster Youth in Tennessee 2024 Landscape Study – Transitioning to Adulthood
- Tristian Slough via The Tennessean | I went from foster care to the Ivy League, but I did it because of the support around me
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