The system is broken.
In the U.S., more than 350,000 children are placed in foster care.
This can happen when parents face addiction, mental health issues, incarceration, sudden health crises, or even death. The system is supposed to protect these kids, but it often fails.
Here’s the harsh reality for foster youth:
● Education: 50% don’t earn a high school diploma or GED.
● Homelessness: 1 in 5 become homeless after turning 18.
● Incarceration: 25% enter prison within two years of aging out.
● Early Pregnancy: 76% of foster girls are pregnant by 21.
● Employment: Over half report $0 earnings in the first four years out.
● Mental Health: Foster youth are twice as likely as war veterans to have PTSD.
When the system ages them out, foster youth face homelessness, unemployment, prison, and even human trafficking.
● Foster Care to Prison: More foster youth end up in prison than college.
● Foster Care to Homelessness: Many are left without resources or support.
● Foster Care to Unemployment: Over half report no wages in their first four years out.
● Foster Care and Mental Health: Foster youth face PTSD at twice the rate of veterans.
Here’s how we break the cycle:
Real support that goes way beyond the system.
Through connection, community, and empowerment, we restore hope to individuals who need it the most.