1.1. Aging Out of Foster Care and Homelessness

Each year, more than 20,000 youth age out of foster care and lose their safety nets overnight (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2015). When foster youth turn 18— or, in some states, 21—they lose access to the financial, educational, and social supports provided through the child welfare system. These youth fare poorly compared to their peers across young adult domains, including mental health problems, substance abuse, and underemployment (Courtney et al., 2011; Fowler, Toro, & Miles, 2011).