Older youth in foster care face unique and sometimes significant challenges as they transition into adulthood. In addition to dealing with challenges common to adolescence, youth in foster care must also contend with the sometimes traumatic events associated with being removed from their families. As a result, older foster youth are at a heightened risk of experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, developmental conditions and other negative outcomes. Many states have developed policies to address these issues and improve the lives of older youth in foster care.
The data map and state profiles below focus on the following eight policy areas: driver's licenses and auto insurance, diligent search requirements to identify relatives, extending foster care beyond age 18, health oversight for youth in foster care, increasing placement stability, normalcy in foster care and tuition waivers for youth in foster care.