NATIONAL FOSTER CARE FACTS
 About 513,000 children in the U.S. reside in some form of foster care, according to the Child Welfare League of America (2005). While the numbers have significantly increased in the past 10 years, services and resources to children in foster care and the families that take care of them, however, have been decreasing. The average age of children in foster care is 10 years old. Two thirds of youth in care are African-American.
Most children are placed in foster care as a result of abuse and neglect by their biological parents. Experts say that 80 to 90% of cases involve parental alcohol or substance abuse. Other reasons for foster placement include severe behavioral problems in the child and/or a variety of parental problems, such as abandonment, illness (physical or emotional), incarceration, AIDS, and death. On average, children are in care two to three years before either being reunited with their families or adopted. About 20 percent are in care for five or more years. Every year 20,000 teens "age out" of foster care without being adopted or reunited with their families.
Children experience a great deal of stress as a result of being removed from their home, in addition to the serious abuse or neglect that they have already faced. Often they move to new communities away from family, siblings, friends and schools. While many of these children show remarkable resiliency and determination to go on with their lives while in care, nearly 30% of these children experience severe emotional, behavioral, or developmental problems. Physical health problems are also common.
HIGH RISK: YOUTH IN TRANSITION
An estimated 20,000 young people "age out" of foster care every year. Like most 18 year olds, they continue to need support and services that biological families often provide, but are rarely available to them. In fact, several foster care alumni studies show that without a lifelong connection to a caring adult, these older youth are often susceptible to a host of adverse conditions. Three of 10 of the nation's homeless are former foster children. A recent study found that 12-18 months after leaving care:
- 27% of males and 12% of females have been in jail
- 33% were receiving public assistance
- 37% had not finished high school
- 50% were unemployed
Outcome* |
National |
Regional/Local |
Earned a high school diploma |
54% |
50%-63% |
Obtained BA or higher |
2% |
2% |
Became a parent |
84% |
42% |
Were unemployed |
51% |
30% |
Had no health insurance (unable to obtain health care because they lacked health insurance or sufficient money) |
30% |
29% |
Had been homeless |
25% |
36% |
Receiving public assistance |
30% |
26% |
FOSTER CARE IN NORTH CAROLINA & GUILFORD COUNTY
- NC Foster Care: 10,112 youth between 0-18 years old
(90 percent have suffered physical and sexual abuse)
- Guilford County: 425 youth (as of October 2008)
- Number of teens: 165 (13 & older)
- Average payment to foster families: $400 month
- Average clothing allowance: $400 year
Currently, there are no funding sources for these youth to participate in normal childhood experiences such as scouting, team sports and community programs (live theatre, museums or trips to the zoo). Neither is there extra money for families to pay for sports equipment, bikes, yearbooks, school pictures, prom dresses & suits, or graduation supplies (cap, gown, school ring). Contributions to FFNC help bridge the gap!
DSS GUILFORD COUNTY
In February 2008 the DSS in Guilford County set new goals for their Youth Development Program - see details.
*Source: Child Welfare League of America, National Data Analysis System
|
