What Happens to Foster Children When They Turn 18 in Virginia?
Many people wonder what happens when foster children turn 18 and become legal adults. This guide explains how aging out of foster care works in Virginia, what support programs may be available, and the challenges many young adults face after leaving care. It also explores extended foster care, housing assistance, education opportunities, and how caring adults can help young people build a stable future.
Updated: May 28, 2026
Quick Answer
When foster children turn 18 in Virginia, they legally become adults. However, many young adults may qualify for Virginia’s Fostering Futures program, which can provide continued foster care support until age 21, including housing assistance, education support, employment resources, case management, and independent living services.
Helpful Resources:
- Learn about FosterVA’s guide to aging out: Aged Out: Finding Homes for Older Kids in Foster Care
- Watch FosterVA’s video: What Happens to Foster Children When They Turn 18?
- Virginia DSS Fostering Futures: Fostering Futures Program
- Child Welfare guidance on extended foster care: Extended Foster Care Resources
Key Facts
- Virginia allows eligible youth to remain connected to foster care services until age 21 through Fostering Futures.
- Support may include housing, education assistance, employment support, healthcare access, and independent living services.
- Former foster youth in Virginia may qualify for Medicaid coverage until age 26.
- Education and Training Vouchers (ETV) may provide up to $5,000 annually for eligible students pursuing college or vocational training.
- Foster parents often play a critical role in preparing youth for adulthood.
- Permanency and supportive relationships continue to matter long after age 18.
Related FosterVA Resources:
- Fostering Futures in Virginia Foster Care
- Medicaid for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care
- Foster Care vs Adoption in Virginia
What Does Aging Out of Foster Care Mean?
Aging out occurs when a young person reaches adulthood while still in foster care and leaves the system without reunification, adoption, or guardianship.
Many youth who age out face adulthood without the family support systems many of their peers rely on for housing, financial help, emotional support, and life guidance.
If you are interested in helping older youth, FosterVA’s resource on aging out explains why teens are among the most urgently needed placements in Virginia:
Helping Older Youth in Foster Care
Can Foster Youth Stay in Care After Turning 18?
Yes.
Virginia's Fostering Futures program allows many eligible young adults to voluntarily remain connected to foster care services until age 21. The program recognizes that transitioning into adulthood often requires continued support.
Youth may qualify if they are:
- Completing high school
- Enrolled in college or vocational education
- Working
- Participating in employment programs
- Medically unable to participate in work or school activities
Learn more directly from Virginia DSS:
Virginia Fostering Futures Program Details
What Support Is Available After Age 18?
Housing Support
Housing is one of the biggest concerns for youth transitioning out of foster care.
Fostering Futures may help with:
- Living with foster parents
- College housing
- Supervised independent living
- Transitional housing assistance
Stable housing often creates the foundation for educational and employment success.
Education Assistance
Virginia offers several programs designed to support educational achievement.
Eligible youth may receive:
- College planning support
- Vocational training assistance
- Education and Training Vouchers (ETV)
- Scholarship guidance
The ETV program may provide up to $5,000 per year toward qualifying educational expenses.
Education Resource:
Virginia Education and Training Voucher Program
Healthcare Coverage
Many young adults worry about losing health insurance after foster care.
In Virginia, former foster youth who were receiving Medicaid while in foster care at age 18 may remain eligible for Medicaid coverage until age 26.
This healthcare coverage can help provide:
- Medical care
- Counseling
- Mental health services
- Preventive healthcare
Related Resource:
Medicaid Coverage for Former Foster Youth
Employment and Life Skills Support
Programs often help youth develop practical adult skills such as:
- Budgeting
- Banking
- Resume building
- Interview preparation
- Career planning
- Transportation management
These services are designed to help young adults become more independent and confident as they enter adulthood.
Why Do Older Youth Need Foster Families?
Many teenagers in foster care never experience adoption or permanency before turning 18.
Older youth often need:
- Stable relationships
- Emotional support
- Guidance through adulthood
- Consistent encouragement
- A sense of belonging
Foster parents can continue making a difference even when youth are close to adulthood.
Related Reading:
Why Older Youth Need Families in Virginia Foster Care
Video Resource:
Video: What Happens to Foster Children When They Turn 18?
How Can Foster Parents Prepare Teens for Adulthood?
Preparing youth for adulthood often starts years before they leave care.
Foster parents may help by:
- Teaching life skills
- Encouraging educational goals
- Supporting employment opportunities
- Helping youth build healthy relationships
- Modeling financial responsibility
- Creating lasting emotional connections
Many young adults remember the supportive adults who believed in them long after they leave foster care.
Families interested in fostering teens can learn more here:
Become a Foster Parent in Virginia
Frequently Asked Questions
Do foster children automatically leave foster care at 18?
No. Eligible youth in Virginia may voluntarily participate in Fostering Futures until age 21.
Can foster youth receive money for college?
Yes. Eligible youth may qualify for Education and Training Vouchers (ETV), which can provide up to $5,000 annually for college or vocational education expenses.
Do former foster youth get free healthcare?
Many former foster youth in Virginia who were on Medicaid at age 18 can remain covered until age 26.
Can foster youth return to Fostering Futures after leaving?
Yes. Eligible youth may leave and re-enter the Fostering Futures program before age 21.
How can someone help youth aging out of foster care?
People can help by:
- Becoming foster parents
- Mentoring older youth
- Supporting transition programs
- Offering employment opportunities
- Advocating for permanency and supportive relationships
Every supportive adult relationship can have a lasting impact.
For those considering fostering:
Learn About Becoming a Foster Parent in Virginia
Every young person deserves support beyond childhood. Learn how you can help provide stability, encouragement, and hope to youth navigating foster care and adulthood.
What are you waiting for? Click here to help a child in need!