When foster youth turn 18 (or 21 in some states), they “age out” of the system, often with no family support, financial stability, or life skills. The Annie E. Casey Foundation and National Foster Youth Institute report grim statistics on the negative outcomes for many foster youth:
- 20% of foster youth become homeless the day they age out.
- Only 60% earn a GED/HS Diploma by 19 and less than 3% earn a college degree.
- Over 70% of young women who age out will become pregnant by 21.
- 50% of aged-out youth will be unemployed by age 24.
- Nearly 60% of young men will be incarcerated by age 26.
Without a strong community to guide them, many foster youth struggle with homelessness, joblessness, and early parenthood. However, faith-based communities can intervene. Churches and Christian organizations can provide mentorship, housing, job training, and emotional support—giving these young adults a fighting chance to succeed.
The numbers tell us that the current system isn’t enough. Foster youth need faith, guidance, and belonging to defy the odds and build stable, fulfilling lives.
Advance the Faith is committed to restoring hope, building futures, and sharing God’s love with young people who need it most. Through our Vault program, we teach life readiness and financial literacy to foster children who are nearing “aging-out.”
We invite you to join us in this mission—through prayer, volunteering, or financial support. Together, we can prepare these students for a bright and successful future.
Learn more about how you can get involved here.
Jennifer Hand
Jennifer is the co-founder of Advance the Faith and the Advance the Faith Academy. She has over 15 years mentoring and coaching women of all ages. She is especially passionate about serving youth as they age out of foster care and discipling young adults. Jenn is currently pursuing her Masters of Counseling Psychology at Moody Theological Seminary. In her free time she loves cooking, reading and being outdoors.