Aging Out of Foster Care

Aging out of foster care can be one of the most challenging changes that a young adult may face. Foster care youth often "age out" of the foster care system when they turn 18 years old or, in some states, 21.

This article examines what "aging out" means, the support programs available, and resources to help you navigate this crucial period.

What Is the Age Limit for Foster Care?

Foster care youth typically "age out" of the foster system when they turn 18. Many are still in high school. However, some states extend the age to up to 21, depending on the state law's age of majority. Once you reach this age of majority, the state is no longer legally responsible for your care and support.

For young people under foster care, turning 18 is a moment filled with uncertainty. This often signals that their support system provided by the state will be suddenly removed, and they have to learn how to be on their own.

Challenges Young Adults Face After Foster Care

When children age out of foster care, they become ineligible to receive state assistance through the foster care system. This includes crucial support like:

• Housing and shelter assistance
• Food benefits
• Medical care and health insurance
• Educational support and funding
• Ongoing case management

Due to this abrupt change, many young adults who have aged out of foster homes face significant challenges. A few common examples include:

• Homelessness and housing instability: According to research conducted by the National Library of Medicine (NIH), 11-36% of young adults aging out of foster care face homelessness during their transition period.
• Substance abuse: Former foster youth are up to five times more likely to face drug dependency and have a higher tendency to use alcohol compared to other youths who did not experience foster care.
• Teenage pregnancy: Up to 22% of former foster youth had children by the time they reached 21 years old. This percentage is high compared to 6% of young adults ages 18 to 24.
• Involvement with the legal system: There is a strong link between foster care and the legal system, as 16% of youths who were formerly in foster care experienced incarceration two weeks after they left foster care.
• Unemployment: According to the most recent KIDS COUNT Data, only 56% of former foster youths are employed by age 21. By age 24, they also reported lower average monthly earnings than their peers.

These challenges led states and the federal government to step in and provide assistance.

Support Programs for People Aging Out of Foster Care

States are required to assist older youth transitioning from foster care to independence. In some cases, these transition services begin as early as age 13.

Transition plans typically involve:

• Life skills training to help with basic adult responsibilities
• Vocational training and job placement assistance
• Educational guidance and financial aid information
• Mentoring and peer support networks
• Housing assistance programs
• Health care coordination

In response to the challenges faced by foster children, the federal government created the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood. This program helps states extend foster care support for people up to age 21.

States use these funds to improve transitional support in several key areas:

• Building connections: Promoting stable, permanent connections to caring adults
• Health care needs: Helping youth manage their health care needs, often through temporary Medicaid coverage
• Educational support: Providing education and training vouchers to postsecondary education institutions, employment programs, and job placements
• Housing assistance: Improving access to safe and stable housing through independent living programs
• Life skills training: Training in personal finance, household management, and other essential adult skills

Many states have expanded their Chafee services. If you live in one of the following states, you can get support until you turn 23:

• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• New Mexico
• New York
• New Hampshire
• North Dakota
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin

The Chafee program also provides funds to help youth leaving foster care continue their education. Administered by state governments, the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program can provide you with up to $5,000 per year to help pay for expenses in college or vocational schools.

We discuss more educational support programs below.

Going to College After Foster Care

If you are interested in pursuing higher education, several specialized programs offer financial assistance to former foster youth that can help make a college degree more accessible:

FAFSA Benefits

As a former or current foster child, you qualify as an "independent student" on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You also automatically qualify as an independent student if you are an orphan from age 13 or a ward of the court.

Having independent student status means you don't have to include family income on your FAFSA application. In many cases, this increases how much financial aid you're eligible for.

Tuition Waiver Programs

Twenty-three states offer tuition waiver programs to current and former foster children. This means that in the following states, you can study at a state college for free or at a significantly reduced cost:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Connecticut 
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• Missouri 
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Texas
• West Virginia

To learn more, check with your state's office of higher education.

Foster Care to Success Scholarships

Foster Care to Success is a national non-profit organization dedicated to helping former foster youth go to college. Their scholarships help former foster youth pursue two- and four-year degrees as well as certificate programs.

State-Specific Grants

Many states offer additional grants and scholarships specifically for foster youth attending college.

Other Resources for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care

While the Chafee Program provides federal guidelines for states to follow, the specific benefits and services vary widely from state to state. Your assigned caseworker can provide more information about programs available in your area.

Additional national resources include:

• Foster Care Alumni of America: Provides housing, education, health, and mental health resources through chapters in multiple states
• Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative: Offers financial support and advocacy for youth aging out of foster care
• FosterClub: An online community where you can share stories and connect with peers from foster care
• Foster Care to Success: America's College Fund for Foster Youth, helping young adults access and use federally funded education vouchers
• National Council on Independent Living: Offers seminars and mentorship programs nationwide
• Child Welfare League of America: Provides links to resources specifically for those transitioning out of foster care

Need Help Navigating Life After Foster Care?

The transition from foster care to living independently as a young adult may feel overwhelming and challenging. That is why learning about your rights and the resources available to your case is crucial.

Talking with your case worker is often the best place to start. You are also entitled to help from an attorney at any court hearings related to your foster care. A family law attorney can provide legal advice and represent you in court.

Conversations with your lawyer are confidential. With only a few exceptions, anything you talk about with them won't be shared unless you say it's ok. Your lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected while you're in foster care, and help you plan for what will happen after you age out.