According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, over 20,000 youth exit foster care each year without reaching permanency and without a family to call their own. These youth face increased odds of homelessness, addiction, unplanned pregnancies, incarceration and joblessness.
Placement/school instability and lack of permanency, coupled with normal teenage challenges can create a difficult environment for youth to thrive. As a CASA volunteer, your dedication and encouragement can support these youth through this critical transition time.
Videos
Challenges Facing Foster Kids Aging Out of the System
Unprotected: Aging Out of Foster Care
Illinois CASA Older Youth in Care Webinars
Articles
Youth in Transition (Aging Out) - The Annie E. Casey Foundation
Improving Outcomes for Older Youth.pdf
From the System to the Slammer - The Legacy Project
The Evil You Know - The Legacy Project
Teen Parents in Foster Care: Risk Factors and Outcomes for Teens and Their Children
Extended Foster Care Explained - The Annie E. Casey Foundation
Other Resources
Aging Out of Foster Care | Illinois Legal Aid Online
This website offers a wealth of information for Illinois youth who age out of the child welfare system, including healthcare, mental health, addiction, housing/homelessness, employment, education, financial literacy and LGBTQIA+ resources available.
Application for 2025 DCFS Scholarship
This is a great financial resource to share with your youth who are considering secondary education. In order to apply, the youth must be on track to receive a GED certificate or high school diploma AND must meet the following criteria:
- The Illinois DCFS has court-ordered legal responsibility for the applicant, or
- The applicant aged out of Illinois DCFS' care at age 18 or older, or
- The applicant was under Illinois DCFS legally responsibility immediately before achieving their permanency goal through adoption or private guardianship.
