Rates Of Permanency Remain Lower Among Older Children In Foster Care Than Younger Children

Children in the child welfare system between ages 14 and 21 had significantly lower chances of achieving permanent family connections through adoption, guardianship, or adoption compared to younger children, according to recent analysis of data from 2020 through 2023. About 62% of older youth (ages 14 to 21) exited to permanency in 2023 compared to 98% of youth ages 13 and younger.

Children exiting foster care for all three permanency types largely found permanency within one to two placements. The percentage of children who exit foster care to permanency in a given year—through adoption, guardianship, or reunification—has remained . . .