The Need

Fact: Former foster teens represent one of the largest sub-populations of America's welfare role, adult homeless sector and prison population.

Fact: A majority of Americans believe that most people don't achieve full-fledged adulthood (independence) until age 26. There are more 18-24 year olds living at home than at any time than the Great Depression.

Fact: For those young people who receive independent living services, more are likely to obtain living-wage employment, to increase their education and to stay out of jail and off welfare rolls.

Why Villages of Hope?

There are over half a million children in America's foster care system. Only about half will return to their parents. Many will reside in care far too long and eventually "age out" of the system. This lonely and tumultuous journey is particularly difficult for older foster children, minorities, large sibling groups, and those who spend multiple years in foster care. The sense of hopelessness and despair can be overwhelming and the impacts can be far greater than the immediate, visible effects. Consequences may include brain damage, developmental delays, aggressive behavior, and depression. Research also shows that as a result of being raised in institutions or multiple foster homes, many youth nearing emancipation have not mastered the skills necessary for self-sufficiency.

Without basic life skills, youth who leave care often have difficulty finding safe housing, getting and keeping a steady job, staying healthy, and avoiding financial and legal trouble. Too few undertake the education and training necessary to compete in today's economy. There is often no one with whom they share small successes or from whom advice can be sought. Simple emergencies can easily escalate into full-blown crises.

Comprehensive and effective independent living transition services are key to helping youth function as productive citizens and to acquiring skills necessary for pursuing an education, finding a job, obtaining suitable housing, and protecting their health and well being when they leave the foster care system.