Being a teenager is a challenging time for anyone, but it can be especially difficult for those in foster care. According to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System, as of 2020, there were over 400,000 children and youth in foster care in the United States, with over 20% of them being between the ages of 13 and 18. While the foster care system provides a valuable safety net for children and youth who cannot remain in their homes, there are significant challenges that these teens face.
Teens in foster care are more likely to experience placement instability, meaning they are moved between foster homes or group homes more frequently. In 2020, 37% of youth ages 12-17 experienced three or more placements in foster care. (Source: Children's Bureau, AFCARS Report #28). This instability can also impact their education, making it harder to keep up with schoolwork and stay on track to graduate.
Teens in foster care are at greater risk of aging out of the system without finding a permanent family. In 2020, 6% of teens in foster care aged out of the system without being reunified with their birth families or finding an adoptive family. (Source: Children's Bureau, AFCARS Report #28). Additionally, a disproportionate number of teens in foster care are youth of color. In 2020, approximately 25% of teens in foster care were African American, compared to 14% of the general population. Similarly, approximately 22% of teens in foster care were Hispanic/Latino, compared to 18% of the general population. (Source: Children's Bureau, AFCARS Report #28)
Teens who spend an extended time in foster care are also at increased risk of developing emotional and behavioral problems such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and self-harm. They are at higher risk of dropping out of school, becoming homeless, or becoming involved with the criminal justice system.
Another issue that many teens in foster care face is a lack of support. Teens in foster care may feel like they have no one to turn to or no one who understands what they are going through. This lack of support can make it difficult to navigate the challenges of adolescence, such as relationships, sexuality, and identity formation.
Despite these challenges, there are organizations and individuals working to make a positive difference in the lives of teens in foster care. Here are some examples:
- Increasing Permanency: The National Adoption Center and other organizations work to connect teens in foster care with adoptive families or other permanent living situations, such as guardianship or kinship care.
- Providing Support and Resources: The Foster Youth in Action network and other organizations work to provide support and resources to teens in foster care, including mentorship programs, life skills training, and assistance with accessing healthcare and other services.
- Policy and Advocacy: Organizations such as the Children's Defense Fund and the National Foster Youth Institute advocate for policy changes at the local, state, and federal levels to improve the lives of teens in foster care and ensure their rights are protected.
It's important to remember that teens in foster care are not defined by their circumstances. With the right support and resources, they can thrive and achieve their goals. This is why 100% of the proceeds from our gift boxes and bundles go to supporting teens in foster care and those who support them. Our first goal is to host an appreciation event for the case workers in Atlanta. These case workers ensure that foster children are placed appropriately and have the resources and support they need while in care, no matter how long. From there, we look to partner with other organizations to provide education, opportunities, resources and support directly to foster teens. IF you would like to stay up to date on the specific work that we are doing, and future opportunities to get involved, please sign up for our monthly e-mail!! Every effort, no matter how small, can make a difference in the life of a teen in foster care.