Helping Foster Kids

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Californian Cary Sommer, 19, was in foster care and changed high schools nine times before dropping out. Five hundred thousand foster kids nationally don't graduate. Of those who get to college, 94% don't finish.

A 2008 law requires kids to remain at the same schools after they're placed, but according to an Associated Press article on Boston.com, it's routinely ignored by state and local officials.

Many good programs help foster kids deal with problems. In Sacramento, CA, teacher Mike Jones started a monthly lunch where the kids talk about their struggles and in Baltimore, foster kids in high schools visit colleges.

Our Kids in Miami oversees more than 3800 foster kids. A video conference system was developed so that they can attend court hearings without missing school.

In Philadelphia, Arise Academy is a high school for foster kids and Eddie's House offers tutoring, mentoring and job opportunities to those who have aged out. Check out these important resources.

Reported By Dr. Marciene Mattleman, KYW Newsradio