There are approximately 5,346 kids in foster care in Oregon with the majority living in the Portland Metro Area in 2022. These youths face many challenges as they age out of foster care programs, but there are many ways our community can help. This resource reviews these challenges as well as options to support foster youth in making supported transitions out of the care system.
What Does Aging out of Foster Care Mean?
When a foster youth “ages out,” this means that they leave the system on their own and are not returned to parents, adopted, or connected to a family through guardianship. This occurs with approximately 80% of the older foster youth in the state of Oregon each year, which means that the majority are entering adulthood without stable connections and support.
Challenges and National Statistics
In spite of the talent and potential of these young people, the lack of support can lead to poor outcomes. Statistics show that youth that age out of foster care are at higher risk for homeless, are less likely to complete education degrees, and are at higher risk for human trafficking and incarceration.
2018-2022 National Statistics for Youth Who Age out of Foster Care:
- 81% experience food insecurity
- 76% experience housing insecurity
- 38% experienced homelessness in the last 12 months
Oregon Transition Programs
Research has shown that one of the best ways to support foster youth aging out of care is to provide life skills training that sets them up for success. Project 48 offers a Life Skills Transition Program that provides life skills and job training for young adults aged 18-23 who are currently in or have recently exited the foster care system in the greater Portland area.
This is a new program in 2022 and Project 48 is proud to work alongside our talented youth who will benefit from continued support outside of the foster care system. Consider supporting this program with a donation where 100% of the proceeds go directly to supporting foster youth.
References:
- Claire Withycombe, Statesmen Journal (2022). Fact check: Are fewer children in foster care now than when Oregon Gov. Kate Brown took office? https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/politics/2022/02/17/oregon-governor-kate-brown-fact-check-state-address-foster-kids/6758379001/
- https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/opinion/2019/06/14/aging-out-foster-care-adulthood-oregon-legislature-guest-opinion/1437800001/
- Christina Dronen. (2019). 42 Aging Out of Foster Care Statistics. https://finallyfamilyhomes.org/the-problem/
- Annie E. Casey Foundation. (2018, November 13). Fostering Youth Transitions. Oregon State Fact Sheet. https://www.aecf.org/resources/fostering-youth-transitions
- Alternative Family Services (2021). 35 Foster Youth Homelessness Statistics You Should Know. https://www.afs4kids.org/blog/35-foster-youth-homelessness-statistics-you-should-know/
- WISCONSIN HOPE LAB | LACCD Report on Survey of Student Basic Needs
In-Person Donation Drop Off Location
You can bring any new items to our warehouse between 10am to 4pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Location: 2505 SE 11th Ave, Suite 122, Portland OR 97202
Bring your donations to Suite 122 located on Division Street. Please do not leave items at our facility outside of the dedicated drop off days.
Contact and Volunteer
We love to partner with volunteers as delivery drivers, events and support staff.
Contact us at info@project48.co
971-275-7416 (office phone)
TAX ID # 83-4515483
