What happens to children in the foster system who never get adopted? They age out.

According to the most current AFCARS Report - Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System Report, there were approximately 517,000 children in the U. S. in foster care on September 30, 2004.

(The full report @ Children’s Bureau website )


Current stats are hard to find, but in 2001, about 50,000 foster children were adopted. Some others went home or to live with bio-family – but that leaves a large amount of kids left in the system - living with foster family until they turn eighteen.

Then what happens to them?

Unless a program or sponser steps forward, they are legally adults and left to go out in the world to make their way.

Luckily there are many programs available to help these kids who never legally find a forever family.

The Orphan Foundation of America is one organization.

They help teens with scholarships, mentoring, care packages and counseling.

Their mission statement says:

Provide opportunities for America's foster youth to continue their education
• Raise awareness of the number and plight of older teens leaving the system
• Illustrate the bureaucratic maze of foster care that youth encounter
• Highlight the potential of America's foster youth and show the importance of supporting their dreams
• Offer direct opportunities for citizens, business and civic organizations to assist older foster youth

Interested in helping?

You can donate online, help with a care package or scholarship:

Since 1991, when the scholarship program began offering aid nationally, OFA has awarded nearly $4 million to thousands of students in all 50 states, and every year over 2000 hopeful young people apply for aid. The scholarship program receives no government money whatsoever; all funding for scholarships and scholarship program management comes from caring individuals, foundations, and corporations. Furthermore, 100% of any donation designated for the Sponsored Scholarship Program goes directly to the students.

more info here