Picture one of your favorite young people. They have made it through high school, learned to drive, and have been surrounded by family and friends as they graduated. You share excitement and advice about their next steps, like college, internships, or gap year travel.
Now, imagine that same young person in a different life scenario. Instead of growing up with family and friends, this youth has faced trauma. They lived in a foster home away from their birth family and may have been in a group home. They have now aged out of foster care on their 18th birthday, thrust into adulthood, grappling with the challenges of finding housing, employment, and stability on their own.
This is the heartbreaking reality for thousands of youth aging out of foster care in the U.S. each year. However, there is hope in understanding the issues and providing concrete support.
If you’re a foster parent, there’s no better time than now to help your foster youth build a foundation for success after foster care. Or, if you know a youth in foster care or feel called to make a difference, reach out to Cayuga Centers or a local foster care agency to become a mentor and help address these critical areas of need.
Foster youth statistics: Aging out of foster care
Each year, approximately 23,000 youth exit the foster care system in the United States. The statistics reveal the harsh realities of what these young adults endure:
- 1 in 10 young adults aged 18-25 experience homelessness annually
- 20% of youth who age out of foster care become unhoused almost immediately
- 1 in 3 teens on the street are lured into sex work or sex trafficking within 48 hours of leaving home
- 7 out of 10 girls who age out of the foster care system will become pregnant before the age of 21
These numbers paint a grim picture, but the challenges extend even further. According to the AECF, educational and employment opportunities are also significantly limited for youth who age out of foster care:
- 79% of foster youth earn a high school diploma or GED by age 21, compared to 92% of all 21-year-olds.
- Only 24% of foster youth enroll in higher education, post-secondary education or training, compared to 50% of the general population.
- 55% of foster youth are employed by age 24, compared to 64% of their peers.
The broader impact on society
The struggles these youth face are all too real, and the truth is, society shares in the burden. The economic and social impacts are profound, contributing to increased demands on public resources and services.
These effects include:
- Homelessness increases the strain on public housing programs and shelters
- Healthcare costs rising as youth without stable housing are more prone to chronic health issues
- According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), over 60% of unhoused youth report being arrested at least once, putting a burden on law enforcement and legal systems
In response, some states have passed new legislation and put programs in place to extend foster care supports to youth beyond 18 years old. When youth in foster care get help through age 21, (up to age 26 in some states) outcomes improve in education, housing, and employment. This approach not only helps youth but also reduces the financial burden on public systems by creating more stable, productive citizens.
Solutions: How we can help
While the statistics are alarming, they don’t have to define the future of youth leaving foster care.
At Cayuga Centers, our Fair Futures initiative provides youth in foster care with ongoing support from dedicated coaches, and education and employment specialists to help them successfully transition into adulthood through age 26.
We all have a role to play in supporting these young adults as they transition into adulthood. Here are just a few ways you can make a tangible difference.
Housing support
Your support—whether through mentorship or helping to find housing for youth in foster care—can lay a strong foundation. Affordable, stable housing is a major challenge, and without it, many face homelessness.
If you’re a landlord, consider renting to former foster youth. As a former foster parent or caring adult helpwith housing applications, serve as a reference, or connect them to other resources. Staying involved can make all the difference.
These small efforts reduce stress and provide stability. Here are some helpful resources:
- HUD: US Department of Housing and Urban Development (check deadlines)
- Project Life: Information on a variety of housing assistance programs
Employment assistance
Many former foster youth struggle to find stable jobs due to limited skills and experience. Vocational training and job placement programs are essential to help them become self-sufficient.
You can support them by assisting with resumes, cover letters, interview practice, or offering a reference. Businesses can make a big difference by hiring former foster youth, giving them valuable experience and opportunities to succeed. Other job resources include:
- Indeed: Writing a resume
- Boys & Girls Club: Helpful job interview tips written for youth
- National Career Development Association: A resource for job & internship listings, resume planning, interview prep, and more.
Healthcare access
Affordable healthcare is vital for former foster youth. You can support them by helping them navigate the healthcare system, helping them obtain a proper ID, and assisting them in organizing paperwork.
Some programs offer coverage through age 26, but many youth need help enrolling and re-enrolling each year. Your guidance ensures they receive essential physical and mental health care during this transition. Here is a list of resources:
- Medicaid
- SAMSHA Mental Health Hotline (FREE) 800-662-HELP (4357)
- SCL Program: helps with dental care through age 18
Transportation
Getting around can be a huge challenge for youth who have aged out. There are plenty of simple ways to help. You can show them how to navigate the local bus or train system or even help them connect with a ride-share program. Offer them a ride when you can or give them a small gift like bus tokens.
- FragileX.org: A simple guide for teaching youth how to use public transporation
- Youtube: a great video that shows the NYC subway system
Other ways to help
Become a mentor and offer guidance and support, or put them in touch with programs for foster youth to help them develop necessary life skills such as financial planning, budgeting, and building good credit. Be a good role model. You can learn more about mentoring here:
- National Mentoring Resource Center
- Mentoring Youth in Foster Care Toolkit
- Mentoring.org
- National Casa Gal
- Connections Homes
Support local and federal policies that expand funding for transitional housing, mental health services, and vocational training tailored to the needs of youth aging out of foster care. Be a Cayuga Centers Foster Care Ambassador to help raise awareness for youth in or from the foster care system.
A brighter future for former foster youth
The challenges faced by youth aging out of foster care are significant, but they are not insurmountable. By offering mentorship, housing, employment, and healthcare resources and putting them in touch with support services, we can empower these young adults to thrive. We all have a role to play in ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to transition into adulthood.
Let’s work together to give these youth the chance they deserve.
