Challenges for Separated Children: Foster Care in the United States
The U.S. child welfare system is in crisis, with a shortage of foster homes and a widespread inability to place siblings together. A lack of effective transition programs makes the move from youth to adulthood very difficult. Less than 50% of children in foster care graduate from high school, and only 3% complete a bachelor’s degree.
Without a high school education and ongoing support to develop professional skills, foster youth can face serious challenges. In fact, 33% of homeless young adults were previously in foster care, and one quarter of foster care alumni will become involved with the criminal justice system within two years of leaving care.