Aging out

When the state fails to reunite youth in foster care with their family of origin or place them in a permanent, adoptive home, young people are forced to exit the foster care system (i.e., when they turn 18 in most states, 21 in others). Those who age out often exit the foster care system lacking the support of an adult and without the basic information or skills required to navigate adulthood (e.g., how to open bank accounts, budget, apply for housing). This lack of support results in significantly worse housing, mental health, medical, financial, employment, and education outcomes for those who age out compared to their peers. For more.