Nebraska Percentage Of Children Aging Out Of Foster Care Has Nearly Doubled In A Decade

The percentage of Nebraska children aging out of foster care has nearly doubled in the past 10 years, according to a recent report. In 2015, only 5% aged out, but in 2025, that number has risen to 9.3% (179 total youth).

“Aging out,” which means the state is no longer responsible for the care of a foster child, occurs in Nebraska when individuals turn 19 while in state care without being reunified with their parents or reaching any other type of permanency, such as adoption, guardianship, or living with a relative. Of those children who do not age out . . .