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Aged Out: A Look at Life for Children and Youth in Virginia's Foster Care System

Life for children and youth in Virginia's foster care system is often tumultuous and filled with uncertainty. Frequently, they are required to change homes and schools multiple times before the age of 18. At that point, youth not adopted into permanent homes must "age out" of the state's foster care system. Many then face the responsibilities of adulthood without reliable housing, strong job prospects or supportive relationships.

Aged Out: Finding Home examines the lives of four individuals being supported by The Possibilities Project, a privately funded collaboration between the Better Housing Coalition and the Children’s Home Society of Virginia. In 2016, the two nonprofits banded together to form a safety net for youth between the ages of 18-25 who no longer qualify for the traditional foster care system in Virginia. Advocacy teams and families working to change Virginia’s statewide foster care system are also given a voice in the documentary. Additional interviews include Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, State Senator Montgomery Mason, State Delegate Emily Brewer and New Kent Social Services representative Suzanne Grable.

Aged Out: Finding Home premieres January 23 at 9 p.m. on VPM PBS. Produced in partnership with filmmaker Pam Hervey of 19RED, a division of Fuel.