The California foster care system is set up in such a way as to march young adults into long-term, chronic homelessness. Each year in the San Francisco Bay Area, more than 600 youth “age out” of foster care when they turn 18, losing access to all state-funded foster care services. Without housing, education or emotional support, 65 percent of foster youth will face imminent homelessness, 20 percent will be arrested or incarcerated, 46 percent will complete high school and only 1 percent will graduate from college.
Research has shown that providing intensive services such as housing, education and employment support at the critical juncture when youth are aging out, helps them avoid negative social outcomes and achieve real long-term self-sufficiency. The problem of homelessness among former foster youth is SOLVABLE. About 600 youth per year exit care in San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano counties; we know who they are, where they live and the date they will become homeless.
To learn more visit First Place for Youth.