Extending Foster Care Beyond 18: Housing Options for Young Adults

Summary

This brief spotlights housing options that states can consider as they plan to extend foster care beyond the age of 18. It is a product of Success Beyond 18, a national campaign by the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative aimed at forging a better path for young people who are transitioning from foster care to adulthood.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Requirements and Opportunities Under the Law
• Considerations in Designing Housing Options
• Housing Options for Older Youth
• Considerations for Implementation

Key Takeaway

Access to supportive, affordable and developmentally appropriate housing is critical for youth in foster care

Youth are moving out of foster homes and into homelessness at an alarming frequency. In fact, nearly 40% of foster care alumni report being homeless or couch surfing since exiting the system, according to one study.