In the United States, over 390,000 children are in foster care. Each year, nearly 20,000 age out of the system, many without the skills, stability, or support they need to thrive.

The results are heartbreaking:

📉 1 in 4 will not graduate from high school
🚫 25% will face homelessness
🚓 20% will be incarcerated by age 21
👶 23% will become parents before age 21
📊 Just 3–12% will ever earn a college degree
🧠 20% or more will struggle with mental health into adulthood
🔁 20–40% will see their own children enter the child welfare system

And the economic cost? Over $300,000 per youth, totaling more than $6 billion each year in social costs alone. (Source: Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2024)