What happens to kids who leave the foster care system at the age of 18?
Once young adults in the foster care system turn age 18 (or graduate from high school, whichever comes later), they are released from protective care. This is sometimes referred to as “emancipation” from or “aging-out” of the foster care system. Emancipated youth can face an uncertain future. Orangewood Children’s Foundation actively works to help prepare them for emancipation through programs that focus on housing, employment, pursuit of a university, college or trade school education, daily living skills and relationships. Our goal is to help these young adults successfully navigate the transition and establish a self-sufficient, meaningful adult life.
