FOSTER CARE
– by the numbers –
The Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF) is a private philanthropy organization dedicated to improving the well-being of children and families in the United States. The AECF pulls yearly data from state agencies reporting systems and combines it to advocate for the needs of those they serve.
The research by Annie E. Casey Foundation highlights the challenges that foster youth face as they transition out of care in a number of areas, including:
-
housing instability;
-
academic difficulties;
-
early parenthood; and
-
substance use.
We’ve pulled some highlights from the data below. Read the full blog here >
– housing instability –
50%
of the US homeless population spent time in foster care
25%
of foster youth who aged out of care reported being homeless at some point by age 21
11-36%
of young adults aging out of care become homeless right away, compared to only 4% of the general population
– academic difficulties –
7th grade
reading level is the average reading score of 17 year olds in foster care
71%
between 17-21 years old in foster care earn a high school diploma or GED, compared to 87% of the national average
20%
by age 21 do not have any degree, diploma, or trade certificate
8-12%
earn a two year or four year degree
– early parenthood –
22%
of young adults in foster care are parents by age 21
compared to
<6%
of young adults, in the national average
– legal system involvement –
Being incarcerated has lifelong consequences. Legal system involvement reduces an individual’s likelihood of earning an educational degree, holding a steady job or even earning adequate wages relative to individuals who have not crossed paths with the legal system
16%
of foster youth between the ages of 17-21 have been incarcerated
18%
of state prisoners have spent time in foster care
9%
of federal prisoners have spent time in foster care
$16,500
average annual cost for Winston Rhea to support each scholar
compared to
$54,500
average for US tax dollars to support each foster youth who experiences incarceration
– substance use –
Foster youth are:
