What and How Many Children Are In American Foster Care?
On September 30, 2005, 513,000 children were in our country’s foster care system. Most children are placed in foster care temporarily due to parental abuse or neglect.
Average Length of Stay in Foster Care
The average length of stay for a foster child is 2½ years. However, this figure does not include subsequent re-entries into foster care.
Age of Children in Foster Care
Average age: 10 years
| Age |
Percentage |
| Younger than 1 year |
6% |
| Age 1-5 |
25% |
| Age 6-10 years |
20% |
| Age 11-15 years |
28% |
| Age 16-18 years |
18% |
| Over 18 |
2% |
Race and Ethnicity
As a percentage, there are more children of color in the foster care system than in the general U.S. population. Child abuse and neglect, however, occur at about the same rate in all racial and ethnic groups.
| Ethnicity |
Foster Care
|
General Population
|
| Black, Non-Hispanic |
32%
|
15%
|
| White, Non-Hispanic |
41%
|
61%
|
| Hispanic |
18%
|
17%
|
American Indian/Alaska Native, Non-
Hispanic |
2%
|
1%
|
| Asian/Pacific Islander, Non-Hispanic |
1%
|
3%
|
| Unknown |
2%
|
N/A
|
| Two or More Races, Non-Hispanic |
3%
|
4%
|
Gender
| Gender |
Percentage
|
| Male |
52%
|
| Female |
48%
|
Foster Homes
In 2004, there were 153,000 foster homes nationwide.
Adoptions
In 2005, 60% of adopted children were adopted by their foster parents. Of children adopted in 2005, 25% were adopted by a relative.
What Happens to Children Who Leave Foster Care as Young Adults?
Each year, an estimated 20,000 young people age out of the U.S. foster care system. Many are only 18 years old and still need support and services. Several foster care alumni studies show that without a lifelong connection to a caring adult, these older youth often are left vulnerable to a host of adverse situations:
| Outcome |
Percentage
|
| Earned a high school diploma |
54%
|
| Obtained college bachelors degree or higher |
2%
|
| Became a parent 12-18 months after discharge |
84%
|
| Were unemployed |
51%
|
| Had no health insurance |
30%
|
| Had been homeless |
25%
|
| Received public assistance |
30%
|
*The above information was provided courtesy of the Child Welfare League of America. For more information contact: Child Welfare League of America, 2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 250, Arlington, VA 22002, or cwla.org.