Aging Out of Foster Care: Statistics, Challenges, and Resources

What Does “Aging Out” Mean? 

Teenagers “age out” of foster care when they turn 18 without being adopted or reunified with their biological families. While they are legally considered adults, many lack a solid support network, making the foster care transition a challenging time for at-risk youth. 

The Grim Reality: Statistics and Challenges 

Around 20,000 young people age out of the foster care system every year. Without vital connections to family and the community at large, many former foster kids face significant struggles in day-to-day life.

Instant Adulthood Without a Net 

Most teens and young adults look to family members for guidance as they navigate new and challenging situations like applying to colleges, finding a job, and navigating relationships. Many young adults also receive financial help from their families after they turn 18, or they live with parents or guardians while they work or attend school.

Youths who are aging out of foster care also need guidance and resources. However, they have no such safety net. Their support ends the moment they turn 18, or in some cases, 21. 

Key Statistics (Housing, Education, Incarceration) 

Foster care statistics paint a grim picture of life for youth aging out of the system. For example, they are more likely to go to prison and less likely to be employed than their peers. Other statistics show how difficult life can be after aging out:

• Around 24% immediately become homeless after turning 18
• By age 21, 28% will be homeless
• Only about 30% maintain full-time employment
• 17% become incarcerated within a year of leaving foster care
• Virtually none earn a bachelor’s degree by age 21
• Even by 21, only 70% hold a high school diploma or GED

Resources for Youth Aging Out 

While the outlook for youth aging out sounds bleak on paper, there are a host of resources available to help young people in foster care transition smoothly to independent living. 

The Chafee Foster Care Independence Program 

The federally-funded Chafee Program assists current and former foster youth with finding housing, education, employment, training, and counseling. Specific services vary among states and differ according to the individual’s needs. However, the program seeks to provide all participants with access to strong, caring support networks after they leave foster care. 

In addition, the Chafee Educational and Training Voucher (ETV) Program exists to help current and former foster kids pay for postsecondary education and vocational training. Participants may receive up to $5,000 annually for five years.

To be eligible for the Chafee Program, an individual must be 14 years or older and in foster care; a former foster youth, aged 18-21; or a former foster youth who was adopted or emancipated after the age of 16.

Extended Foster Care (Age 21) 

Currently, young people in 33 states can choose to stay in foster care until they are 21. To qualify for extended foster care, an individual must meet one of the following conditions:

• In the process of earning a high school diploma or GED
• Working at least 80 hours per month
• Attending postsecondary school or vocational training
• Enrolled in a program to increase employability
• Unable to work or attend school due to disability or a medical condition

Young people in extended foster care enjoy access to a variety of resources. These include:

• Tutoring and study support
• Job placement and employment assistance
• Financial assistance for post-placement housing
• Health and homemaking education
• Help getting a driver’s license
• Financial management assistance

Check your state’s laws to find out if extended foster care is an option for you or your foster child.

How You Can Help 

Aging out of foster care doesn’t have to mean facing adulthood alone. There are plenty of ways you can help young people in foster care find their footing and achieve happy, healthy independent living.

Mentoring and Support 

Becoming a mentor or an advocate is one of the easiest ways to help foster youth in transition. CASA/GAL (Court Appointed Special Advocate and guardian ad litem) is an organization that trains volunteers to serve as legal advocates for foster kids across 49 states. Volunteers collaborate with child welfare professionals, attorneys, and teachers to make recommendations in court that serve the child’s best interests. CASA volunteers build long-term relationships with youth in foster care, becoming a stable and positive presence in the lives of these children.

In addition to CASA, there are many smaller mentoring organizations that serve kids and young adults in foster care. Even after-school tutoring sessions can make a big difference for a teen in transition. Your local Department of Children and Family Services can provide more information on how you can help. 

Adopting Teens: It’s Never Too Late 

No one is too old to experience a parent’s love and support. There are a host of teenagers in foster care who are waiting for their forever homes. Unfortunately, older children and teenagers are less likely to be adopted. 

Adopting a teen isn’t the simplest way to help young adults who are aging out of foster care, but it’s definitely the most effective. Providing a foster youth with a permanent, stable, and loving home is one of the most selfless decisions you can make—and it can change a life for the better.