According to the most recent data, there are approximately 407,383 children in the foster care system. Statistics show a link between foster care and homelessness.
45% of these children are placed in a non-relative foster family home
34% are placed in a relative’s foster family home
10% are placed in a group home or institution
There are over 100,000 children in foster care who are waiting for adoption (these children represent those whose parental rights have been terminated).
Life clearly has unique challenges for children who are placed in foster care. Some of these children might suffer from a variety of trauma, such as:
Grief or depression
Post-traumatic stress
Low-self esteem
Neglect or abuse from their new guardians
Aging Out of Foster Care Statistics
Of the youth who are aging out of foster care (18 years old and up):
Only 58% graduated high school by age 19 (compared with 87% of all 19-year olds)
1 in 4 were involved in the criminal justice system within 2 years of leaving care
71% of young women who were formerly in foster care were pregnant by 21
At the age of 24, only half of former foster youth are employed
18% of former foster youth have experienced homelessness at least once since leaving foster care
Under 2% earned a college degree by age 25 (compared to 28% of all 25-year olds)
These statistics of youth who are aging out of foster care suggest that many are not prepared to be self-sufficient when they leave the system.
Young people in the foster system are also more likely to experience homelessness. This exemplifies the struggles and lack of support that many foster youth struggle with.
Between31% and 46% of youth exiting foster care experience homelessness by age 26
Of the foster youth that reunify with prior caregivers, an estimated 50% became homeless after suffering abuse or neglect
61% of former foster youth experiencing homelessness are likely to be incarcerated (compared to 46% of homeless youth who had never been in foster care)
28% of homeless foster youth identify as LGBTQ+ (compared to 22% of non-foster youth)
In California, young people in the foster care system are a significant factor in the state’s widespread homeless crisis. Here are some key foster care statistics for California:
Close to 31% of transition-age foster youth experience homelessness.
Young men in California who were in foster care are 82% more likely to become homeless
Foster youth who are leaving group homes are 1.95 times more likely to experience homelessness
Black youth are 3 times more likely than non-Black youth to experience homelessness
15% of former foster youth who are homeless or couch surfing are parents themselves
Penny Lane provides resources for young people who are aging out of foster care.
Transitional Housing Program: Our Transitional Housing Program is built to assist at-risk or homeless youth ages 18-24. These young people will stay at properties maintained by Penny Lane Centers. While they’re staying with us, they’ll learn independent living skills that they need to become self-sufficient and live on their own. We also provide employment services, life skills training, medical assistance, case management, and substance use disorder treatment.
Housing Supported Services Program: We provide critical mental health resources for people who are formerly homeless and living in Permanent Supportive Housing. It’s a field-based program that focuses on intensive mental health care services, intensive case management, and substance use disorder treatment. Our resources are critical in helping people who are formerly homeless make a successful recovery and become self-sufficient.
Transition Age Youth (TAY) Drop-In Center: We operate 8 drop-centers around Los Angeles County. These are safe spaces designed for young people ages 16-25. Foster youth can “drop-in” when they need to and have access to laundry facilities, computers and internet access, hot meals, hygiene kits, and weekly bus passes. We offer referrals for mental health care services, housing services, and substance use disorder treatment. We also help young people develop an educational plan, employment skills, and life skills, and can help them obtain important documentation from the government (like an I.D. card or birth certificate).
The most recent foster care statistics suggest a dire situation for young people who are in or aging out of the system. You can help make the statistics more favorable by getting involved with Penny Lane Centers.
You can help us by:
Becoming a monthly donor and helping us fund our critical programs for at-risk and homeless youth
