Transitioning to adulthood is challenging for everyone, and for young people in foster care, this life-changing moment is even more difficult without a stable support system. Transition-age foster youth (TAY)–young people between 14-26 years of age who have experienced foster care–often face a particularly steep climb into adulthood. They need a better support network and resources to help guide them on a difficult path and reach their full potential. Foster youth may face systemic inequality and marginalization in the child welfare system or have experienced racial bias or discrimination, leaving them vulnerable as they enter this critical new phase in life. Our Foster Youth Initiative addresses these issues and aims to close disparities in education, employment, health and well-being by providing access to targeted services and supportive networks to help guide TAY youth on their journey.
Our work provides foster youth with the resources, connections, skills and stable home environment they need to heal from past trauma, grow, learn and find a sense of belonging and autonomy. By uplifting young people’s voices and supporting their personal development and well-being, we give them the agency to make decisions that positively impact their lives, turning dreams into clear steps toward a meaningful future.
S25 Results as of July 2024 – the initiative has contributed to the following results for Transition Age Youth (TAY) in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York City since the strategy was launched in 2021:
