Aging Out of Foster Care in Virginia: Why Teens Need Families Before They Turn 18

Quick Answer

When foster youth age out of foster care in Virginia, they transition from state custody into adulthood, often at age 18. Some young adults may continue receiving support through Virginia's Fostering Futures program until age 21. While support services exist, many youth who leave care without a permanent family face increased risks of homelessness, unemployment, educational challenges, and mental health struggles. Foster families, adoptive families, mentors, and community support can dramatically improve outcomes.

Key Facts

• Approximately 500 young people age out of Virginia's foster care system each year.
• One in four children entering Virginia foster care will not achieve permanency before adulthood.
• Youth who age out face increased risks of homelessness, unemployment, and educational challenges.
• Virginia offers programs such as Fostering Futures, Great Expectations, and Education and Training Vouchers (ETV).
• Older youth remain one of the groups most in need of foster and adoptive families.

What Does It Mean to Age Out of Foster Care?

Aging out occurs when a young person reaches adulthood without reunifying with their birth family, being adopted, or entering another permanent family arrangement.

For most young adults, turning 18 means greater independence while still relying on parents or relatives for emotional support, housing, financial help, and guidance. Many foster youth do not have that same safety net.

Without a permanent family connection, they often face adulthood alone while navigating housing, employment, education, healthcare, and relationships.

Why Are Older Youth Less Likely to Find Permanent Families?

Many prospective foster parents initially imagine caring for infants or younger children. However, a significant percentage of children waiting for families are teenagers.

Older youth often:

• Have experienced multiple placements
• Carry the effects of trauma and loss
• Have spent years in the child welfare system
• Need stability, consistency, and lifelong connections

Despite common misconceptions, many teenagers in foster care want the same things every young person wants:

• A safe place to live
• Adults they can trust
• Encouragement and guidance
• A sense of belonging
• Someone who will still answer the phone after they turn 18

Virginia continues to have a significant need for families willing to foster or adopt older youth.

What Challenges Do Youth Face After Aging Out?

Housing Instability

Housing is one of the most immediate concerns for youth leaving care.

Research consistently shows that young adults who age out of foster care face significantly higher rates of homelessness than their peers. Without family support, securing stable housing can become a major challenge.

Education Barriers

Frequent school changes, trauma, and placement disruptions often create educational obstacles.

Only a small percentage of former foster youth complete college degrees, making educational support especially important during the transition to adulthood.

Families interested in helping youth succeed academically may also benefit from learning more about how to become a foster parent in Virginia.

Employment Challenges

Many young adults aging out enter the workforce without family networks that help provide transportation, housing support, job references, and career guidance.

This can make achieving financial independence far more difficult.

Mental Health Concerns

Many youth in foster care have experienced abuse, neglect, family separation, or other traumatic events.

Trauma-informed foster families can play a critical role in helping young people heal, build resilience, and develop healthy relationships.

What Programs Help Youth Aging Out in Virginia?

Fostering Futures

Virginia's Fostering Futures program supports eligible young adults between 18 and 21 years old.

The program may provide:

• Housing support
• Financial assistance
• Education support
• Employment planning
• Independent living services

Its goal is to help young adults build stability while transitioning toward independence.

For official information, visit the Virginia Department of Social Services Foster Care Services.

Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program

The ETV Program helps current and former foster youth pay for:

• College tuition
• Vocational training
• Educational supplies
• Other approved educational expenses

This assistance helps reduce financial barriers to higher education.

Great Expectations

The Great Expectations program serves foster youth attending Virginia community colleges.

Students may receive:

• Academic coaching
• Mentoring
• Career planning
• Financial aid guidance
• Student support services

These resources help improve educational success and college completion rates.

For additional information, visit Great Expectations Virginia.

How Can Foster Families Make a Difference?

The most powerful support many youth receive is not a program—it is a relationship.

A caring adult can provide:

• Encouragement during difficult times
• Help navigating major life decisions
• Family traditions and celebrations
• Emotional support
• Practical life guidance
• A lifelong connection

Many former foster youth report that simply knowing someone will answer the phone when they need help makes a tremendous difference.

Families interested in supporting older youth may also want to explore what happens to foster children when they turn 18, foster children demographics in Virginia, and everything you need to know about becoming a foster parent.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Can foster youth stay in care after age 18 in Virginia?

Yes. Eligible young adults may participate in Virginia's Fostering Futures program and receive support services until age 21.

Do older foster youth want to be adopted?

Yes. Many teenagers in foster care still want permanent family connections and lifelong relationships.

Are teenagers harder to foster?

Teenagers often require a different parenting approach, but they also bring unique strengths, interests, and opportunities for meaningful connection.

How can I help if I am not ready to foster?

You can support youth through mentoring, volunteering, advocacy, donations, or assisting organizations that serve young adults transitioning from foster care.

Final Thoughts

Every young person deserves more than a place to stay they deserve people who believe in them.

While support programs matter, the greatest predictor of success is often a caring adult who remains committed long after a youth leaves foster care. By fostering, adopting, mentoring, or advocating, you can help ensure fewer young people face adulthood alone.