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Youth who are aging out of foster care face difficulties in transitioning into adulthood, especially in terms of finding stable housing, employment, finances, and educational opportunities (Gypen et al., 2017). The suspected reason for these difficulties involves a lack of stability experienced while in the foster care system, and the reported abuse and/or neglect in their childhood, which may affect their ability to cope with significant life changes (Gypen et al., 2017). In the United States, there are independent living programs designed with the intent to service the needs of these youth (Gypen et al., 2017). However, youth aging out of foster care have indicated that these programs are failing to fully address the needs of young adults without familial assistance (Gypen et al., 2017).

In a study conducted by Gypen et al. (2017), involving a cross-database analysis of research articles relevant to the outcomes of former foster youth, it was found that the educational, mental health, employment, income, stable housing, criminal involvement and substance abuse issues outcomes for youth who have aged out of the foster care system are substantially poorer than their peers. For example, Gypen et al. (2017), indicated that only 45% of former foster youth received a high school diploma, which is 23% lower than the general population. There are also significantly poorer outcomes for children who were formerly in foster care than children from low-income households. Children who are eventually adopted by their placement family show greater outcomes, in terms of finding stable housing, employment, finances and education opportunities, than those who aged out of the foster care system without a permanent placement (Gypen et al., 2017).

Gypen, L., Vanderfaeillie, J., De Maeyer, S., Belenger, L., & Van Holen, F. (2017). Outcomes of children who grew up in foster care: Systematic-review. Children and Youth Services Review, 76, 74-83.