What is a Children's Group Home for Foster Kids?

When children are removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment, they often enter the foster care system. While some are placed in traditional foster homes, others are housed in children’s group homes.

A children’s group home is a residential facility designed to care for multiple foster youth at one time. These homes are often run by state agencies or nonprofit organizations and provide meals, supervision, education, and emotional support. They serve children and teens who may have specialized needs, behavioral challenges, mental health needs, or have experienced repeated placement disruptions (failed placements).

While group homes meet basic needs, they often lack the deep, personal investment that a stable family environment provides. Youth in these settings frequently struggle with feelings of abandonment, instability, and loneliness. Without a strong support system, they are at greater risk for negative outcomes when they age out of the foster care system.

The Unique Role of Christian Group Homes

Unlike traditional group homes, Christian group homes for foster kids integrate faith into their care model. These homes offer more than just a place to live; they provide a nurturing environment centered on faith, purpose, and community. By emphasizing spiritual growth, mentorship, and life skills, Christian group homes offer foster youth the hope and resilience needed to overcome past trauma.

The Reality of Aging Out: By the Numbers

Foster youth who do not find permanent placements or family connections by age 18 (or 23 in some states) are said to “age out” of the system. The statistics surrounding negative outcomes for aged-out foster youth are staggering. Many lack a GED or high school diploma and will experience homelessness, incarceration, and unemployment.

Without a support network, these young adults struggle to navigate adulthood successfully. This is why community-driven solutions, including faith-based mentorship and discipleship, are essential.

How Mentoring Flips the Script for Foster Youth

Mentorship is one of the most effective ways to change the trajectory for foster youth. Studies show that having a mentor significantly improves educational outcomes, emotional well-being, and job stability. Through mentorship, foster youth gain trusted relationships, guidance, and the encouragement they need to set and achieve long-term goals.

Faith-based mentoring offers something even greater—hope. When young people recognize their worth in Christ and receive unconditional love and support, they begin to break cycles of generational trauma and poverty.

Life Without a Safety Net: Aging Out of Foster Care

Aging out of foster care often means stepping into adulthood without a safety net. No family to call for advice, no financial support, and no guidance on practical life skills. This lack of a support system leads many aged-out foster youth to struggle with housing, employment, and relationships.

The church and faith-based organizations can step in to bridge this gap by providing mentorship, transitional housing, job training, and community support.

How Advance the Faith is Partnering with the Community of Faith

Advance the Faith is working to change foster youth outcomes by mobilizing the faith community to take action. Through financial and life success programs, mentorship initiatives, and partnerships with Christian group homes, Advance the Faith is ensuring that foster youth receive the emotional, spiritual, and practical support they need to thrive.

By partnering with churches, Christian organizations, and dedicated mentors, Advance the Faith is demonstrating that faith and community are key to transforming the lives of foster youth.

Foster youth need more than just a place to sleep; they need belonging, guidance, and hope. Faith and community are essential to transforming the outcomes of foster youth, particularly for those living in group homes. While government programs provide the basics, it is through faith-based communities and intentional mentorship that true healing, growth, and long-term success can be fostered. You can be part of the solution. Learn more about our Florida and International initiatives. Or, donate to support the youth programs.

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.