Foster Care Statistics 2026: Key Data on Aging Out, Homelessness & Youth Outcomes

According to AFCARS FY2024 data (Preliminary Estimates as of September 5, 2025), there are approximately 328,947 children in U.S. foster care system, down from a historical peak of approximately 437,000 in 2017–2018 and declining every year since. During FY2024, 170,943 children entered foster care and 176,730 exited. A total of 505,682 children were served by the foster care system during the year homelessness.

Of the children currently in foster care, placement types break down as follows:

• 39% are placed with a relative or kin (127,449 children)
• 28% are placed in a non-relative foster home (92,808 children)
• 9% are in therapeutic foster care (28,365 children)
• 4% are in group homes (13,234 children)
• 3% are in a pre-adoptive home (10,513 children)
• 4% are in residential care (14,541 children)
• 2% are in institutions (7,555 children)
• 4% are placed at home with parents (12,637 children)

To see how these numbers affect different communities, you can view our detailed breakdown of race and foster care.

There are over 70,421 children in foster care with an adoption permanency plan, and 49,994 are legally free for adoption (AFCARS FY2024). In FY2024, 46,935 children were adopted from foster care, continuing a steady decline from 64,238 in 2019.

Life clearly has unique challenges for children who are placed in foster care. Some of these children might suffer from a variety of trauma, such as:

• Grief or depression
• Post-traumatic stress
• Low-self esteem
• Neglect or abuse from their new guardians
• Nearly half of children in foster care have been exposed to 4 or more types of traumatic events
• Nearly 90% of children in foster care have experienced at least one form of trauma
• 41% have a diagnosed mental health condition

Aging Out of Foster Care Statistics

In FY2024, 15,379 youth exited foster care through emancipation, representing 9% of all exits (AFCARS FY2024). An additional 10% of exits were youth aged 18–23. Research consistently shows that youth who age out face significantly worse outcomes in education, employment, housing, and justice system involvement than their peers.

Of the youth who are aging out of foster care (18 years old and up):

• Only 69% - 85% of former foster youth obtain a high school degree by their mid-20s, compared to 95% nationally.‍
• More than 30% had spent time in a correctional facility by age 17, and over 40% were incarcerated by age 20.
• 71% of young women who were formerly in foster care were pregnant by 21
• At the age of 24, only half of former foster youth are employed
• 22–30% of youth who age out experience homelessness during the transition to adulthood, compared to a 4% lifetime rate for the general population.
• 8–12% earn an associate's or bachelor's degree by their mid-to-late 20s, compared to 49% for the general population.
• 19-year-olds who remain in extended foster care are 69% more likely to have a high school diploma, 41% less likely to experience homelessness, and 63% more likely to be enrolled in postsecondary education

These statistics suggest that many youth aging out of foster care are not prepared to be self-sufficient when they leave the system, but research shows that extended foster care programs significantly improve outcomes.

Foster Care and Homelessness Statistics

Former foster youth experience homelessness at dramatically higher rates than the general population. A 2024 study found that 22–30% of youth who age out become homeless during the transition to adulthood, compared to a 4% lifetime prevalence in the general population.

• Between 31% and 46% of youth exiting foster care experience homelessness by age 26
• Of the foster youth that reunify with prior caregivers, an estimated 50% became homeless after suffering abuse or neglect
• More youth living in foster care (30.4%) and unstable housing (25.3%) self-identified as LGBTQ than youth in a nationally representative sample (11.2%).

For a deeper look at why this happens, you can read our full report on the foster care and homelessness pipeline.

California & Los Angeles County Foster Care Statistics

California has the largest foster care population in the nation, with 38,490 children in care as of September 30, 2024. During FY2024, 17,336 children entered and 20,442 exited the state's foster care system (AFCARS FY2024). Young people aging out of care in California face a particularly acute homelessness crisis.

• Close to 31% of transition-age foster youth experience homelessness. 
• Young men in California who were in foster care are 82% more likely to become homeless
• Foster youth who are leaving group homes are 1.95 times more likely to experience homelessness
• Black youth are 3 times more likely than non-Black youth to experience homelessness
• 15% of former foster youth who are homeless or couch surfing are parents themselves

If you want to help change these outcomes, you can learn how to become a foster parent in California and provide the support these young people need to succeed.

Los Angeles County

• Approximately 1,000 youth age out of LA County's foster care system each year 
• Nearly 1 in 4 former foster youth in LA report experiencing homelessness between ages 21 and 23
• 36% of chronically homeless youth in LA County had prior foster care involvement

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Foster Care and Homelessness Resources 

Penny Lane provides resources for young people who are aging out of foster care.

• Transitional Housing Program: Our Transitional Housing Program is built to assist at-risk or homeless youth ages 18-24. These young people will stay at properties maintained by Penny Lane Centers. While they’re staying with us, they’ll learn independent living skills that they need to become self-sufficient and live on their own. We also provide employment services, life skills training, medical assistance, case management, and substance use disorder treatment.
• Housing Supported Services Program: We provide critical mental health resources for people who are formerly homeless and living in Permanent Supportive Housing. It’s a field-based program that focuses on intensive mental health care services, intensive case management, and substance use disorder treatment. Our resources are critical in helping people who are formerly homeless make a successful recovery and become self-sufficient.
• Transition Age Youth (TAY) Drop-In Center: We operate 8 drop-centers around Los Angeles County. These are safe spaces designed for young people ages 16-25. Foster youth can “drop-in” when they need to and have access to laundry facilities, computers and internet access, hot meals, hygiene kits, and weekly bus passes. We offer referrals for mental health care services, housing services, and substance use disorder treatment. We also help young people develop an educational plan, employment skills, and life skills, and can help them obtain important documentation from the government (like an I.D. card or birth certificate).

The most recent foster care statistics suggest a dire situation for young people who are in or aging out of the system. You can help make the statistics more favorable by getting involved with Penny Lane Centers.

You can help us by:

• Becoming a monthly donor and helping us fund our critical programs for at-risk and homeless youth
• Becoming a volunteer and helping us lead activities and fundraising events
• Becoming a mentor to a young person in our programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Foster Care Statistics

How many children are in foster care in the United States?

According to AFCARS FY2024 data, 328,947 children are in the U.S. foster care system as of September 30, 2024. This marks the sixth consecutive year of decline, down from a peak of 407,332 in 2020. During FY2024, 170,943 children entered care and 176,730 exited. California has the most children in care with 38,490.

What percentage of foster youth end up homeless? 

Research shows that 22–30% of youth who age out of foster care experience homelessness during the transition to adulthood, compared to a 4% lifetime rate for the general population. In California specifically, approximately 31% of transition-age foster youth experience homelessness.

How many youth age out of foster care each year? 

In FY2024, 15,379 youth exited foster care through emancipation (aging out), representing 9% of all exits. The emancipation rate has decreased from 11% in 2009, partly due to more states extending foster care beyond age 18. In Los Angeles County alone, approximately 1,000 youth age out each year.

What happens when you age out of foster care? 

Youth who age out face significant challenges: 22–30% experience homelessness, only half are employed by age 24, and 8–12% earn a college degree compared to 49% nationally. Over 40% are incarcerated by age 20. However, research shows that extended foster care programs significantly improve outcomes, youth who stay in care past 18 are 69% more likely to earn a high school diploma and 41% less likely to experience homelessness.

What are the most common reasons children enter foster care?

According to AFCARS FY2024 data, neglect is the most common reason at 55% of entries, followed by caretaker drug use (31%), physical abuse (13%), domestic violence (9%), and inadequate housing (9%). Children can enter care due to multiple circumstances, so these percentages overlap. 69% of children entering foster care have reunification as their initial permanency plan.

What mental health challenges do foster youth face?

Approximately 90% of children in foster care have experienced at least one traumatic event, and 41% had a diagnosed mental health condition before even entering care. Nearly half have been exposed to 4 or more types of traumatic events. Common conditions include PTSD, depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Foster youth are also at higher risk for substance use disorders.

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