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'Aging Out': The Challenges Facing 'Transitional Age Youth'

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Donald Rudolph, 18, right, stands with his attorney, John Darrell, during his arraignment in Quincy District Court on three counts of murder on Nov. 14. (AP)
Donald Rudolph, 18, right, stands with his attorney, John Darrell, during his arraignment in Quincy District Court on three counts of murder on Nov. 14. (AP)

Massachusetts social service agencies are taking a hard look at the case of a Weymouth teen who is accused of killing his mother, her boyfriend and his sister last month.

The accused, Donald Rudolph,18, has a history of mental health issues and spent some time in foster care. But when he turned 18, Rudolph "aged out" of the child welfare system.

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case. This year, Massachusetts has seen two killings involving young men who "aged out" of the child welfare system.

WBUR reporter Deborah Becker filed a provocative report Tuesday about some of these tragic consequences. She joins us along with professor emerita at Boston University's School of Social Work, Cassandra Clay,  to discuss the challenges of coming of age in the child welfare system.

Guests:

This segment aired on December 6, 2011.

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