Youth "Aging Out" of Foster Care

Research shows that many young people who “age out” of the foster care system at age 18 have difficulties during the transition to adulthood. Few have the education they need to succeed, and they are also more likely to experience homelessness, health and legal problems than their peers who did not grow up in foster care.

What’s being done

In response to this problem, a new federal law — Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 — provides states with matching federal funds to extend care to age 21 for all foster youth who choose to remain in the system. Services vary from state to state but may include Medicaid coverage, housing vouchers, vocational training, educational funding and access to mental health counseling.

What we’re doing

POC Executive Director Mark Courtney’s “Midwest Study” (2005) was key to shaping the new federal legislation. Now his latest research shows that young people who have extended care may be more likely to pursue a higher level of education and have increased earning potential. This study finds that caring for many young adults until age 21 could represent a return of $2 on every state dollar spent.