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The ultimate goal of foster care is to allow for the reunification of families or other permanency options such as adoption or guardianship. However, every child’s experience in the foster care system is different. Not all children will be reunited with their families or adopted, and some will transition out of the system without permanency. Across the United States, there are roughly 400,000 children in foster care, with over 23,000 of those children aging out of foster care each year (U.S. Department of Education, 2016). Aging out refers to when youth in foster care turn a certain age without obtaining permanency and are no longer eligible for foster care services. This age varies by state but typically falls between 18-23. In Pennsylvania, youth can remain in foster care until age 21 but may receive aftercare services until age 23 depending on eligibility.
Youth exiting foster care without permanency are an extremely vulnerable population. The transition into adulthood can be difficult for anyone, but this period is especially challenging for youth aging out of foster care due to their adverse childhood experiences. Many lack the resources to successfully transition into independent living, such as stability and social support typically met through a present adult figure or larger social network. While these youth can find success and live a positive, productive life, the data outcomes are distressing. According to the National Foster Youth Institute:
25% of youth who age out do not graduate from high school or obtain a general education diploma (GED).
There is less than a 3% chance for aged-out youth to earn a college degree throughout their lives.
20% of youth who age out instantly become homeless.
Only half of all youth who age out will have a form of employment by age 24.
Half of all youth who age out struggle with substance dependence.
Supporting Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care
Supporting Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care
Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), local education agencies (LEAs), specifically LEA Foster Care Points of Contact (POCs), are required to collaborate with their local county children and youth agencies (CCYAs) to improve educational outcomes for foster care students. This includes helping them succeed when aging out of foster care and supporting their transition into adulthood.
CCYAs in Pennsylvania offer targeted programming on behalf of Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services’ Office of Children, Youth, and Families to help prepare foster youth for their transition to independence. All CCYAs across the state administer Pennsylvania's Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood, an independent living (IL) program intended for youth in or who have been in the foster care system after age 14. The IL program offers:
Independent living skills training, transition plans, and aftercare services (up to age 23).
Targeted resources to assist with obtaining a high school diploma, applying for jobs, securing housing, and more.
LEA Foster Care POCs also play an important role in supporting any enrolled students during their transition out of foster care. Foster Care POCs are responsible for discussing career pathways with foster care students and are encouraged to do so as early as intermediate school. Pennsylvania’s Act 1 also mandates individualized graduation plans for Act 1 eligible students in grades 9-12. These plans must specify any courses needed for graduation and post-secondary education. The following table describes best practices from the Region 2 Office for LEA Foster Care POCs when supporting students transitioning out of foster care.
Regional Best Practices
Be familiar with CCYA interventions for youth aging out of foster care. Connect with local CCYA Education Liaisons to offer any necessary support the LEA can provide in transitioning planning.
Ensure students can access school-based resources (e.g., mental health services, tutoring, credit accrual programs).
Maintain knowledge of local community organizations that can supply youth with basic needs such as clothing, food, and shelter.
Click here to access a statewide list of resources curated for foster youth. Foster Care POCs in Berks, Chester, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and Schuylkill counties can refer to the resources listed under Region 2.
Begin discussing career pathways with foster care students as early as intermediate school. Refer to the section, Foster Care to College, for more information on supporting students who are pursuing college.
Connect students with agencies that assist with professional skills such as resume/cover letter writing and job interviews.
Encourage students to maintain a positive support network by participating in extracurriculars, volunteering in the community, and finding a mentors through local chapters of organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Boys and Girls Club of America, and more.
Refer students experiencing homelessness upon exiting foster care to the school homeless liaison.
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