Federal and state law allow youth in DSS custody (foster care)to sign voluntary placement agreements upon turning 18. These agreements can last until the youth's 21st birthday. For those who think these girls are grown, not even taking into account their mental disabilities, who among us was ready to step out into the real world completely unaided at age 18? I was a straight A student, 2nd in my class, got into Duke, and found myself in a mess because I didn't know you could only withdraw funds from other bank's ATMS, not deposit. Imagine having no family. No back up. Just you. At 18. That's why they created the option to stay until 21. Add in the fact that youth in foster care lose a year developmentally for every placement change, plus whatever challenges they bring to the table from the abuse and neglect they suffered, plus any developmental disabilities, and you have a great need.

I've known allot of mentally handicapped people who couldn't really care for themselves and they weren't in a foster home. I doubt they are in any danger, no more than the average person on their own.

I am totally shocked to see this article. This is personal to me. Age is only a number in relation to these girls. They may be 19 and 20, but an average 4th grader has a better mental capacity than these girls. How do I know? Because these girls are like cousins to me as my Aunt raised them. She has put her heart and soul into raising these girls since they were in kindergarten. Put yourself in her shoes and you will realize that she needs support and prayers more now than ever. This could be your 'normal' child.

It is possible that these two are in therapeutic foster care (due to their mental state) and have signed a voluntary agreement allowing them to reamain in foster care as long as they are participating in school full time.

foster CARE home = not necessarily the same thing as foster home for children without capable parents.

If mentally handicapped, it is possible that their families may have placed them in some sort of group/care setting. If without family, they may be wards of the state who might have been placed there if they were unable to live independently.