New Resource for Youth in Foster Care Considering the Military

The following is cross-posted from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children & Families (ACF) The Family Room Blog. See the original post here.

Whether to join the military is an important decision for any youth. If you are in America’s foster care system, you might have additional questions about a military career.

Based on reports from foster care alumni organizations that a large number of youth in foster care were interested in joining or had joined the military, the Children’s Bureau decided to develop a guide to assist other youth in foster care. Using the assistance of a team of dedicated professionals, Joining the Military: A Guide to Assist Youth in Foster Care and Their Caregivers in Navigating the Military Enlistment Process was developed.

This youth-friendly guide answers many common questions a youth or their caregiver might have about foster care and the military. While talking with an official Military Recruiter is important, this guide can give youth (and their caregivers) the basic information before that first conversation. It addresses common questions about enlisting, such as:

• Age
• Education
• Physical Health
• Mental Health
• Military Life
• Basic Training and Boot Camp, and
• Housing

Joining the military is a life-changing decision. Now youth in foster care will have an additional resource to help them think about this decision. This guide can be downloaded here: http://tinyurl.com/of3w4qu (PDF, 20 pages).