Youth “Aging Out” of Foster Care
Each year, an estimated 20,000 young people "age out" of the U.S. foster care system. Many are only 18 years old and still need support and services. Several foster care alumni studies show that without a lifelong connection to a caring adult, these older youth are often left vulnerable to a host of adverse situations.
A national study of youth in the foster care system by the Chapin Hall Center for Children found that:
- 54 percent earned a high school diploma;
- 2 percent obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher;
- 84 percent became a parent;
- 51 percent were unemployed;
- 30 percent had no health insurance;
- 25 percent had been homeless; and
- 30 percent were receiving public assistance.
Please see the PDF document for important notes and sources. Information provided by the National Foster Care Month Partnership.
