Foster Care to 21: Doing it Right

Summary

This issue brief outlines critical questions and policy moves for states to consider when extending foster care to age 21. It champions comprehensive, developmentally-appropriate programs that offer youth the priceless opportunity to have more time, support and space to grow into successful adults.   

Table of Contents

• Critical Questions
• Defining Extended Foster Care
• Poor Outcomes for Young People Aging Out at 18
• Better Outcomes for Young People Who Remain in Care Until 21
• Cost Benefits
• The New Federal Law and Federal Support
• Quality Counts
• What Does Extended Care Look Like?
• Who is Responsible for What?
• Success Through Programs, Policy, Training, and Support
• References
• Related Publications

Key Takeaway

Young people exiting foster care face significant challenges as they transition to adulthood

The research is clear: once young people leave foster care, they struggle. In fact, they fare far worse than their general population peers for nearly every major marker of adult success.