Ensuring Positive Outcomes for Youth Who “Age Out” of Foster Care

Youth who age out of the foster care system without a permanent family placement are at high risk for unemployment, emotional problems, and low educational achievement. Policies and supports that can improve outcomes for these youth include internship and work opportunities; access to essential documents such as passports, birth certificates, social security cards; improving the quality of legal representation for youth in child protection cases, and ensuring health benefits until age 21.