Youth Aging Out of Foster Care
Every year, approximately 20,000 young people leave foster care without a permanent family connection. This guide explains what that means and what supports exist.
~20,000
Youth age out annually
8%
Of all foster care exits
36%
Experience homelessness within 4 years
21
Max age for extended care in most states
The Aging-Out Process
In most states, young people in foster care "age out" when they turn 18. At that point, they are legally adults and the state's responsibility as guardian ends, unless extended foster care is available and the youth opts in.
Unlike peers who have family support networks to fall back on, youth aging out of foster care must navigate housing, employment, education, and healthcare largely on their own.
Research on Outcomes
Studies following youth who aged out of foster care have documented challenging outcomes:
- Within 2-4 years of leaving care, approximately 36% experience homelessness
- Only about 50% are employed at age 24 (compared to 72% of non-foster-care peers)
- About 17% of males and 20% of females were involved with the justice system
- Approximately 25% experienced PTSD symptoms
- Early parenthood is significantly more common among this group
Extended Foster Care
Recognizing these challenges, the federal government has expanded support for extended foster care. Under the Fostering Connections to Success Act (2008) and subsequent legislation, states can receive federal reimbursement for youth remaining in care up to age 21.
Youth must typically be enrolled in school, employed, or have a documented disability to qualify. Take-up rates vary significantly, some states extend care to very few youth, while others have high participation.
Available Support Programs
The John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood provides annual federal funding for states to help youth transition from care. This includes:
- Education and training vouchers (up to $5,000/year for post-secondary education)
- Life skills training
- Housing assistance and supportive housing programs
- Youth development services
- Mentorship programs
What States Can Do
States with lower aging-out rates tend to invest more heavily in:
- Concurrent planning, simultaneously pursuing reunification AND alternative permanency
- Kinship care programs that keep youth connected to family
- Adoption incentives for older youth (12+)
- Strong Chafee program implementation
- Youth advisory boards that give foster youth a voice in system improvement
States with Highest Aging-Out Rates
FY2022 data, these states have the highest percentage of youth aging out without permanency.
All states ranked →Frequently Asked Questions
What does "aging out" mean?
Aging out refers to the process where a young person leaves foster care at the age of majority (18 in most states, though many states allow extension to 21) without being permanently placed with a family through reunification, adoption, or guardianship.
How many youth age out of foster care each year?
Approximately 20,000 young people age out of foster care annually in the United States, representing about 8% of all foster care exits.
What challenges do youth who age out face?
Research shows that youth who age out face higher rates of homelessness (one study found 36% experienced homelessness within 2-4 years), unemployment, involvement with the justice system, and early parenthood compared to peers who did not experience foster care.
Are there supports available for youth aging out?
Yes. The Fostering Connections to Success Act and John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood provide funding for states to offer housing assistance, education support, job training, and other services to youth transitioning out of care, typically up to age 21 or 23.
Can youth stay in foster care past 18?
Many states have extended foster care to age 21, and some to 23, particularly for youth in school, vocational training, or experiencing hardship. As of 2023, all states are eligible for federal reimbursement for extended foster care to age 21 under the Family First Act.