Older youth in foster care need support and a sense of belonging that a family setting can provide. Securing lifelong connections is a critical component in determining their future achievement, health, and well-being.
Fostering Teens
Older Youth in Care
The Need for Homes for Older Youth
- More than 23,000 children will age out of the U.S. foster care system every year.
- In the state of Wisconsin, youth age out of foster care at 18 years old.
- By age 26, only 3-4% of youth who aged out of foster care will earn a college degree.
- 20% of these youth will become homeless after turning 18.
- 50% of youth who have aged out of foster care will obtain employment by age 24.
- More than 70% of female foster youth will become pregnant by age 21.
- 25% of former foster youth will experience PTSD.
- 50% of kids who aged out of foster care will develop a substance dependence.
- About 25% of kids who aged out of foster care will not graduate from high school or be able to pass their GED.
- Despite this, 70% of foster kids consistency say they would like to attend college one day.