Youth in out-of-home care

Youth in out-of-home care

Youth ages 11 to 20 make up about 36% of all young people in out-of-home care, which includes youth placed with kin, in family-based foster care, or in group and institutional settings. About 20,000 of these youth “age out” of the foster care system each year. Like all teens, youth in out-of-home care need compassion and support to navigate school, health and wellness, personal identity, and social connections, and hone the skills needed to transition successfully into adulthood — and for a lifetime.

Older youth who have lived experience with the child welfare system possess unique insights on how to improve the ways they receive and experience support, and they are uniquely suited to be part of developing solutions. Resources on this page focus on engaging with older youth, lifting up their perspectives and ideas, and discussing strategies and policies that can best support them.

FEATURED RESOURCES

Elementary school class standing outside

How can child protection agencies partner to address behavioral health?

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Multiracial group of friends taking selfie picture outdoors - Millennial people having fun on city street - International students smiling together at camera - Youth culture and community concept

What strategies support pregnant and parenting teens in foster care?

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Portrait of friends embracing in the street

How can child welfare agencies effectively support LGBTQ+ youth in care?

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Please explore the related resources below and at Questions from the field to learn more about youth in out-of-home care.