Number: RL34499
Title: Youth Transitioning From Foster Care: Background, Federal Programs, and Issues for Congress
Authors: Adrienne L. Fernandes, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: This report begins with a discussion of the characteristics of older foster youth in care and the types of outcomes experienced by youth who have recently emancipated. The report then provides an overview of the federal foster care system, including the Chafee Foster Care Independence program, and provisions in federal foster care law that are intended to help prepare youth for adulthood. The report goes on to discuss other federal support - through other programs - for youth aging out of care in the areas of education, health care, employment, and housing. The report seeks to understand how states vary in their approaches to serving older youth in care and those who are recently emancipated. A small number of states are known to extend foster care to youth ages 18 to 21 (and beyond in some cases) and less than half of states provide Medicaid coverage to former foster youth beyond age 18 through the Chafee pathway option. The report also intends to demonstrate that, despite negative outcomes for the group on average, many former foster youth are engaged in decisions about the services they receive and display resiliency. The report concludes with a discussion of issues that Congress may wish to consider, as well as pending legislation relevant to each of the issues.
Pages: 81
Date: September 5, 2008