Down 23% Nationally
On September 30, 2009, 424,000 children were in foster care in the U.S., a decrease nationally of 23% from the 544,000 children in foster care on September 30, 2000.
The goal of U.S. child welfare is to find safe, permanent homes for children, but many children in foster care never attain a permanent family. Children spend years in foster programs and are at greater risk for developing emotional, behavioral and academic challenges. The number of children in foster care decreased over the past few years, but the decline is not steady and carries mixed results.
On September 30, 2009, 424,000 children were in foster care in the U.S., a decrease nationally of 23% from the 544,000 children in foster care on September 30, 2000.
The number of children in foster care decreased from 2001 to 2004, increased slightly in 2005 and 2006, then continued to decline steadily through 2009.
Maine had the largest decline, with its foster care population dropping by 48.4%.
Nevada had the largest increase, with its foster care population growing by 195%.
Number of children in foster care at the end of the fiscal year, and entering in the fiscal year, by year (in thousands)
Wyoming had the highest rate of foster care entry, 8.18 out of every 1,000 children entering foster care in 2009.
The number of children entering foster care decreased overall from 2000 to 2009, although with fluctuations that include a spike in 2005.
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