For youth about to transition out of foster care, turning 18 can be a nerve-wracking time, as depicted in this PSA from Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative.

Each year, nearly 30,000 young adults “age out” of the foster care system without the proper skills and support system to help them become independent, successful adults. Many of these emerging youth end up homeless, unemployed, pregnant or incarcerated.

This problem is entirely preventable. These youth are not responsible for this situation and in most cases have been victims of traumatic events. The Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative is leading a national campaign in order to improve the odds for success for youth transitioning out of foster care. Success Beyond 18 launched in 2013 and aims to help states extend foster care services beyond age 18, give young people more of a voice to plan where they want their life to go, and empower those responsible for these youth to provide the support and resources required for their evolving needs.

Virtually all states in the U.S. have extended foster care services to age 21 and many offer programming supports including independent living skills training, assistance with housing expenses and access to tuition waivers.

According to research in a report by the National Governor’s Association, relatively inexpensive investments in the long-term success of emerging youth could potentially save the nation $5.7 billion per year by reducing the demand for public spending that correlates with poor education and low employment, such as welfare assistance and criminal justice expenditures.

KVC is also working to improve outcomes for these youth transitioning out of foster care. The L.I.F.E. (Launch Into Future Excellence) program was recently launched to engage families and individuals in the community to help young adults make LIFE-long connections that will support them as they transition into adulthood. We’re also working on some new initiatives targeted at emerging youth. If you have ideas of what can be done, please email info@kvc.org with your suggestion, or connect with us on Facebook or via Twitter @kvckids.

Our teen population has the greatest need for loving families. If you have thought about adopting from foster care, consider the benefits of adopting an older child from foster care.