What We Are Learning About Young People Transitioning From Care
The Number of Young people Aging Out of Foster Care Continues to Rise
While the total number of children in foster care nationally has decreased every year for more than a decade, the number of youth aging out of foster care has continued to grow. More than 230,000 young people have aged out of care since 1999, ranging from 19,000 young people in 1999 to nearly 30,000 in 2008.
…and They Face Poor Outcomes
Research shows that, when compared with their peers, young people aging out of care are, on average:
- less likely to have a high school diploma
- less likely to be pursuing higher education
- more likely to have experienced economic hardships
- less likely to be earning a living wage
- more likely to have had a child without being married
- more likely to become involved with the criminal justice system
The Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative: Improving the Lives of Young People Aging Out of Care and the Systems That Serve Them
The Initiative forms partnerships with communities nationwide to help young people leaving foster care become successful, productive adults by helping improve the systems that support them. These sites implement a set of five core strategies and track both systems and youth outcomes.
