Rasheena Phinisee and daughter Assiah. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Daily News.

Many social workers are concerned about the fate of foster children who age out of the system and must learn to survive on their own without family support.

This article in Philadelphia Daily News about Rasheena Phinisee is an example of the struggles they can face. Phinisee, 24, was attending classes at Temple University and had an internship at a radio station. But all that ended when her 20-month-old daughter Assiah developed kidney disease and needed constant care.

Fortunately social workers continue to work with Phinisee to help her pay rent and skyrocketing medical bills.

“She’s just a very compelling, engaging young woman,” said social worker Kim Prendergast. “She’s just been through so much. She’s so resilient. Whatever resource I give her, she follows up right away.

To learn more about how social workers help foster children visit the National Association of Social Workers’ “Help Starts Here” Adoptions and Foster Care Web page by clicking here.