WHAT ARE THE FUTURE PROSPECTS OF YOUTH WHO AGE OUT OF THE FOSTER SYSTEM?
Youths leaving the system — typically at age 18 — face daunting obstacles and many are not well-equipped to manage the transition on their own. Studies of these youths four years after leaving foster care show that fewer than half of emancipated foster youth have graduated from high school, compared to 85 percent of all 18-to-24-year-olds. Fewer than one in eight has graduated from a four-year college. Almost two-thirds have not maintained employment for a year and fewer than one in five is completely self-supporting. More than a quarter of the males have spent time in jail and four of 10 have become parents. Sources: U.S.
