Keys to Independence awards 1,000th driver’s license to youth in foster care

Keys to Independence recently reached the impressive milestone of awarding its 1,000th driver’s license to a youth in foster care. 

Keys to Independence, also known as K2I, helps to reimburse youth and caregivers for the costs associated with driver’s education, driver’s licenses and more related to getting a driver’s license as well as motor vehicle insurance.

K2I is funded by the Florida Department of Children and Families and managed by Embrace Families, a recognized national leader in child welfare services. 

Glen Casel, president and CEO of Embrace Families, said being able to drive to school and work sets young people up for success in all stages of life.

“Learning to drive is more than a rite of passage – it’s a major part of the transition to adulthood," he said. "Our goal has always been to eliminate barriers that have historically held back youth in foster care."

The statewide program has done just that. 

Before K2I was introduced at the state level in 2014, fewer than 20 foster youth had a Florida driver’s license or learner’s permit, according to the organization. 

Now, more than 1,000 licenses and 1,880 learner’s permits have been obtained through the program by teens in foster care.

“Being a teenager is difficult enough, without being in foster care where nothing feels normal,” said Darlene Rogers, a licensed caregiver whose twin foster daughters received licenses and car insurance through K2I. “Because of this program, my girls can experience the independence and freedom that ‘normal’ kids have. I cannot overstate how much this positively impacts their lives.”

Andres Patino, director of EZ Learning Driving School, frequently travels to the school's three locations, including the one in West Orange. 

The school, located at 13640 W. Colonial Dr. Suite 130-G, serves Winter Garden, Ocoee, Windermere and Kissimmee. 

Patino has been teaching for 20 years and said he enjoys helping children in need earn their independence. 

"This is something you really have to like," he said. "You have to enjoy teaching somebody how to do something in a very hands on and important environment relating to their safety. It's so nice to see their faces when they get their license and to know it's going to be a better and new start for them."

The director explained that many of the kids are in foster care systems or in struggling situations. 

"It is so good to know that we were a part of impacting one thousand students, I mean, it's amazing and we are so lucky to be involved with these organizations," he said. "It's such a benefit to see someone young, where maybe life hasn't been so nice to them, leave and be encouraged for a new start."

The program has even captured national attention. 

The Children’s Bureau, in partnership with ICF, Embrace Families and Treehouse, have come together to create Paving the Way, a program to offer expertise to states and territorial child welfare agencies on creating a driver’s license program for teens in foster care. The new effort mirrors the K2I program. 

Patino said he hopes the program continues and expands. 

For more information on EZ Learning Driving School, click here.