Reviewed July 2026 · U.S. scope
What is the issue?
Depending on state law and eligibility, some young people leave foster care between ages 18 and 21 without reunification, adoption, guardianship, or another legally permanent family.
Why does it matter?
Legal adulthood does not remove the need for stable relationships, housing, education, health care, transportation, documents, employment, and someone to call during a setback.
What does current evidence say?
The National Youth in Transition Database follows outcomes reported by young people at ages 17, 19, and 21. A 2025 GAO review found states use Chafee funds for education, health, housing, and other transition services, but some federal funds were returned even while needs remained. Evidence should be read with attention to state variation and survey limitations.
Sources
- National Youth in Transition DatabaseExternal site
- U.S. GAO: youth transitioning to adulthoodExternal site
- Child Welfare Information Gateway: Transition From Foster CareExternal site
- FosterClub resources for young peopleExternal site
Source links are provided so readers can inspect the underlying publication or dataset. Summaries are educational and do not represent a government agency or an advocacy position.