All of you guys seem to have a lot of knowledge and contacts so I'm throwing out a request for your assistance to help end the cycle of foster care.   As a volunteer, I am working with a 17 year old, recent run-a-way, who has just been returned to foster care from which she ran-away.  She is new to foster care.  She is 9 weeks pregnant with little education and has a checkered past.  Even though she is new to foster care, she will age out of the foster care system the end of November when she turns 18.  She has virtually no support from any family member.  Given all of this, she seems to have turned herself around, admitted her past issues, and has goals of getting her GED, a job, and making a life for herself and her baby.  She is currently on bed rest from her doctor because of problems with this pregnancy.

I have just ask what is available to assist her through the normal foster care channels but as there is one month left and her being new to foster care, I think her resources may be limited.  I hope I am wrong but I believe she doesn't qualify under a recent law, Florida Statute 409.1451 for Independent Living Programs for post-18 yrs old because she has not been in the foster care system for the six months required.  I have asked for clarification on this.  As we all know also, the “system” does not work quickly and the clock is ticking.

My request is what programs/charities do you know of that might be of assistance for this young girl.  You know you never know about this kind of assistance until you need it.  Help me help her to end the cycle of her being in foster care and her child also possible having this future without some help.