Treehouse, a nonprofit that helps youth in foster care, announced its newest program to provide free automobile insurance and driver’s education to youth.
The Driver’s Assistance program breaks down barriers to transportation by covering the cost of auto insurance, driving lessons, learner’s permits and driver’s licenses. The program is funded by an 18-month contract with the Department of Social and Health Service’s Children’s Administration.
It aims to help youth in foster care, extended foster care and tribal youth in care, ages 15 to 21. There are about 9,000 children and youth in foster care throughout the state, according to a press release.
Transportation is critical for youth to get access to education and employment, said Patrick Nickell, Treehouse’s licensing coordinator, in the release.
“One out of five youth in foster care end up homeless within a year of aging out of the system in part because of transportation needs,” Nickell said. “Treehouse is committed to launching youth successfully into adulthood.”
RELATED ARTICLE: Treehouse raises the graduation rate for Washington youth in foster care
Ashley Archibald is a Staff Reporter covering local government, policy and equity. Have a story idea? She can be can reached at ashleya (at) realchangenews (dot) org. Twitter @AshleyA_RC
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