Every year, thousands of teens leave foster care and begin adult life on their own. This is often called “aging out” of foster care. While many young people work hard and succeed, the data shows they often face more challenges than other young adults.
National data from the Children’s Bureau AFCARS Dashboard helps show what happens to youth in foster care across the country. It tracks things like how many youth leave care each year and what kinds of support they receive.
Research also shows that many youth who age out of foster care struggle with housing. The Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT Data Center reports that some young adults who were in foster care experience homelessness by ages 19 or 21. This is why planning before a youth leaves care is so important.
The message from the data is clear: youth do better when they have stable housing, help paying for school, job support, caring adults, and mental health care.
Safe housing is one of the biggest needs for youth leaving foster care. Without stable housing, it can be harder to keep a job, stay in school, or manage daily life.
One helpful program is the HUD Foster Youth to Independence Program. This program may help eligible youth pay rent for up to 36 months.
Before leaving care, youth should gather important documents like:
Having these ready can help make the transition smoother.
School and job training can open doors for young adults leaving foster care. The Education and Training Voucher Program may provide up to $5,000 each year for college, trade school, or career training.
Youth can also benefit from:
Small steps can make a big difference. Creating a resume, opening a bank account, and planning a weekly schedule can help youth feel more prepared for adulthood.
Many youth in foster care have experienced trauma, loss, or stress. Mental health support should continue after they leave care.
A transition plan should include:
Telehealth services can also help youth continue care even if they move.
Breaking goals into smaller steps can help youth feel less overwhelmed.
Focus on basic needs and paperwork:
Build daily routines and support:
Create long term stability:
Youth aging out of foster care can succeed when they have the right support. Stable housing, education, jobs, mental health care, and caring adults all play an important role.
Families, foster parents, and community partners can make a lasting difference by helping youth prepare for adulthood before they leave care.
Many teens and young adults in foster care need caring adults who can provide guidance, encouragement, stability, and support as they prepare for adulthood.
Becoming a foster parent for older youth can help change the direction of a young person’s life. A safe home, trusted relationship, and consistent support can make a powerful difference during the transition into adulthood.
If you have ever considered fostering, now is the time to learn more. Older youth in foster care need families who will believe in them, support their goals, and help them build a strong future.
Contact our team today to learn how you can become a foster parent and support youth in your community.