Youth aging out of foster care face countless challenges, from finding stable housing and employment to navigating health care and higher education on their own. Many leave care without the same supports and safety nets that their peers rely on, making the transition to adulthood especially difficult.

One challenge that youth in Kentucky should not face is aging out of foster care without state identification or other essential documents. 

Under Kentucky’s Foster Care Bill of Rights, young people in care have the right to receive a state-issued identification card, along with their other vital documents, free of charge when they exit care. Despite this being the case, many youth are currently leaving care without an ID due to the current process which requires multiple steps and up-front payment that will later be reimbursed. 

A valid ID is needed to apply for a job, sign a lease, or open a bank account. These are all part of everyday life and are necessary steps toward stability and self-sufficiency. Without one, the challenges youth already face after leaving foster care are compounded, creating additional barriers to meeting their basic needs and achieving long-term success.

IDs are also a critical safety tool for youth while they are in care. Having a valid ID stored in the Kentucky Driver Licensing Information System (KDLIS) ensures that law enforcement can quickly access current photos and information if a child goes missing. For youth who face higher risks of exploitation or trafficking, compared to their peers, this added layer of protection can make a difference in keeping them safe and connected to support.

Recently, a group of former foster youth with lived experience met with Representative Heavrin to share their stories and stress the need for both a better system to get IDs into the hands of youth when they enter care rather than when they leave it, as well as greater attention to the many other challenges facing youth in and aging out of foster care.

“Being able to sit down with Representative Heavrin was a step toward great progress for foster youth and alumni in Kentucky. [Meetings with elected officials], allow us lived experts to discuss troubles that we are facing and the importance of legislation that supports foster youth and alumni in their transition into independent adulthood. This way we can raise awareness and advocate for meaningful change in the child welfare system.” – Tatum Abel, True Up Peer Network Member

Kentucky must ensure that every young person in care has access to the identification they need for both current safety and long-term independence and success.