Transition To Independent Living Employment Program Announced

A Fond du Lac County pilot program will try to help children aging out of the foster care program find employment. The program was announced Friday in Fond du Lac. It will help those youth ages 18 to 21 find a job. County Executive Al Buechel says once a foster child turns 18 they need to learn how to live alone and get and keep a job. Without the help those children could end up homeless or in prison. State Department of Children and Families Secretary Eloise Anderson (pictured) says employment is the aim, but it also helps with their esteem. There are 152 foster children in the County. Patricia Lancour is the County’s Social Services Director. She says the County’s program is still being developed, but as it grows it will expand to neighboring counties. Lancour says a partnership has already been developed with local businesses and employers. Two children have already found a job through the program and 15 others are going through the process.