Editorial: Show youths the money

Wednesday, May 19, 2004 | 9:04 a.m.

The 2005 Legislature could provide a valuable service to foster youths throughout the state by clarifying a 2001 bill intended to help the youths in their first year of independence. The bill attached fees to copying and filing services at county recorders' offices, with the proceeds going into a special fund for the youths.

With the fund having generated $3 million, no one is really sure how to use the money. The model gaining favor seems patterned after a Slinky going downstairs -- the state releases money to counties and the counties release money to youth organizations and the youth organizations release money to service providers ... When will the Slinky reach the youths?

The latest thought by a committee wrestling with how best to use the funds is especially irksome. Hire four "mentors" and a housing specialist, each with starting salaries of $35,000. These five new state employees (when they weren't complaining about being "under staffed") would offer advice and counsel to the more than 100 youths who leave state care each year after they reach age 18. Nonsense.

In our view, the money should go directly from the state to the youths, via twice-monthly checks, for up to a year after they leave foster care. With a little money for housing, food and clothing, the youths could avoid making trips to their mentor's office, and instead make their way in the world.