young adults that transition out of the foster care system are way more likely to face injustices without support and networks of help.
Some of these challenges include…
Employment: 57% struggle to maintain consistent employment since leaving the system.
Homelessness: 46% will have experienced homelessness, often multiple times, by the age of 21.
Education: 44% will have not earned a high school diploma or GED by the age of 19.
Incarceration: 20% will be incarcerated before their 21st birthday.
Human Trafficking: 88% of trafficking victims were in the foster care system.
Some of these challenges include…
Employment: Only 43% are employed at age 21 and 57% struggle to maintain consistent employment.
Homelessness: Nearly 36% of young adults who age out will experience homelessness by the age of 26.
Education: Less than 3% receive a college degree and about 50% graduate from high school.
Incarceration: 20% of young adults who age out will be incarcerated before their 21st birthday.
Human Trafficking: Around 88% of trafficking victims were in the foster care system.
Imagine a world where young adults who have aged out of foster care are able to transition successfully into adulthood. They have stable housing, employment, and mental health support. They are able to achieve their educational and career goals. They are contributing members of their communities. This vision is possible. It requires a commitment from all of us to provide young adults who have aged out of foster care with the resources they need to succeed.
Ensure that they have access to affordable housing.
Help them find employment that pays a living wage.
Provide them with mental health support.
Help them develop life skills, such as budgeting, cooking, and managing their time.
Connect them with supportive adults who can mentor them and provide guidance.
When we provide young adults who have aged out of foster care with the resources they need, they are able to reach their full potential. They can become productive members of society and contribute to the well-being of their communities.
By providing those who have aged out of foster care with employment, life skills, and support, we can help them successfully transition into adulthood. This is an investment in the future, and it is an investment that we cannot afford to ignore.
