Youth ‘aging out’ of foster care
Each year, more than 20,000 young people in the United States "age out" of the foster care system. This means that they turn 18 years old and are no longer eligible to receive foster care benefits. As a result, many of these young adults are left to fend for themselves.
The initiative called “Age of Contribution” (AOC) is a new way for the PACC Global (People Affecting Community Change) to make a difference in youths' lives. AOC aims to help youths who are ‘aging out’ of the foster care system. We believe every young person deserves the chance for success, and we're working hard at making this happen: The plan includes providing housing and education assistance, as well as access mental health care providers - all with one goal: helping these youth thrive!
Research has shown that youths who "age out" of the foster care system often have worse outcomes than those who are adopted or who remain in foster care. There are a number of reasons for this, including the fact that many youths transitioning out of foster care don't have access to basic needs like housing and healthcare, and that the expectations placed on them to be self-sufficient often exceed societal norms. Additionally, the instability associated with many older adolescents in care may be in contrast to their developmental needs. As a result, it's essential that we do more to support youth transitioning out of foster care. This includes providing more funding for programs that serve this population, as well as reforming state eligibility requirements so that the most vulnerable youths are not excluded from services.
Multiple studies have found that within 5 years of leaving foster care most of these youths have bad outcomes. Below are some statistics of these bad outcomes that highlight this problem:
40% were receiving public assistance or were incarcerated
40% experienced drug or alcohol abuse
46% had not finished high school
1 in 4 will attempt to take their own life
84% became parents
The study conducted by researchers at the University of Chicago, found that youths who aged out of foster care were nearly four times as likely to experience homelessness as youths who never entered the system. The Researchers attributed this discrepancy to a number of factors, including the fact that youths in foster care often have unstable living situations and frequently move between homes.
The Urban Institute conducted a study where they found that 40% of youths that "age out" of the foster care system were receiving public assistance or were incarcerated. While the sample size of the study was small, it provides a snapshot of the challenges that these youths face. Youths that age out of foster care are often not prepared to live on their own. They may have gaps in their education, and they may not have the skills necessary to find and keep a job. As a result, they are at a greater risk of becoming homeless or getting involved in crime.
A study by the journal JAMA Pediatrics found that 40% of youths who "aged out" of the foster care system experienced drug or alcohol abuse. The study looked at youths in California, Florida and Illinois, and found that those who aged out of the foster care system were more likely to experience homelessness, unemployment and incarceration.
The National Foster Youth Institute in their study found that out of the nearly 28,000 youth aging out of the foster care system every year, 46% had not finished high school. This is a startling statistic, especially when compared to the general population where only about 25% of people lack a high school diploma. Furthermore, only 8% of foster youth go on to earn a college degree, compared to nearly 40% of the overall population. This educational attainment gap has far-reaching consequences for foster youth, as those without a high school diploma are more likely to experience unemployment, poverty, and poor health. They are also at greater risk of involvement in the criminal justice system.
Another recent study by the National Youth in Transition Database found that out of the youth aging out of the foster care system, 51% were unemployed. The studies also showed that only 20% of former foster care youth had completed high school, and less than 3% had completed a college degree. These statistics are alarming, and they highlight the need for more support for young people who are aging out of the foster care system.
Data from the Baseline Youth Survey shows that children in foster care are four times more likely to take their own lives. The California data also indicates nearly one-quarter (24%) of seventeen year olds had thought about death by suicide with self harm being the most common method used for attempted suicides among this population group!
Each year, more than 20,000 young people in the United States age out of the foster care system. Without the support of a family or a permanent home, these young people are at a higher risk for homelessness, unemployment, and mental health issues. The statistics are daunting, but the good news is that there are some people and organizations who care about youth aging out of foster care and are working to improve their chances for a successful future.
PACC Global is a nonprofit organization that works to support the youth aging out of the foster care system. We provide resources and mentorship to help young people transition into adulthood. We also work to raise awareness about the challenges faced by these young people. Please get involved and support PACC Global today. Call us and ask how you can get involved in our “Age of contribution” initiative. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these young people. With more support – from government funding, private donations, and individuals – these young adults can reach their potential and contribute to society in meaningful ways. We should all be invested in helping them make a smooth transition into adulthood. What have you done to help youth aging out of foster care?
