How Big Is the Problem?

• On any given day there are nearly 438,000 children and youth in foster care.
• Nearly 110,000 are waiting to be adopted, waiting year after year for their forever home.
• For children in foster care, the government invests less than 50% of what it costs to raise a child.
• Any resource, experience or opportunity beyond a basic need is not required to be provided. 
• Approximately 25,000 youth age out of foster care every year and must be financially and emotionally self-sufficient by as young as 18.

Given the facts, it is not surprising that within four years of aging out:

• 70% will be on government assistance.
• 50% will be unemployed.
• 50% will experience homelessness.
• 25% will not have completed high school.
• Less than 12% will every earn their college degree.