Foster care question

Question

If you are a foster child what age can you be to leave your foster parents. I really need to leave them honestly but they said im not allowed to leave until I'm 21, I think its 18...so what age is it? Honestly can someone help me I really need to know this.

Answer 1

18.  You will be free. /

Answer 2

I'm not in NY.  In my state, foster care ends at age 18.

The person to contact to find out for sure about NY rules would be your case worker.  I know that that can be difficult since they are so busy, but your case worker should be able to answer your question (and maybe even help you figure out a solution to your problem with the foster family if you explain it calmly, rationally, etc.)  And your case worker should be in touch with you regularly (at least once a month in our state).

Or look in the phone book for the number for legal aid.  If you can't find it there, try calling either some lawyers' offices or a courthouse and ask for Legal Aid (lawyers who help people who can't afford to pay for legal help).  They should know the answer.  And again, they might be able to help you if you calmly and rationally explain the problem; even if the age is 21 in your state, a lawyer might help you be declared "emancipated" (or legally an adult, responsible for yourself) if you can show a need to and show that you are ready to be financially, legally, emotionally, etc. responsible for yourself.