Findings on the Relationship between Extended Foster Care and Youth’s Outcomes at Age 21

Studies have shown that extended foster care can increase educational success and savings and decrease the likelihood of criminal justice involvement and housing insecurity. This memo built on prior research by exploring outcomes related to extended foster care among foster youth aged 21 or older. The analysis indicates that extended care had positive effects on these young people, including increasing their odds of completing a high school credential, enrolling in college, securing employment, and saving money. Other outcomes linked to extended foster care included decreases in experiences of economic hardship, pregnancy or parenting, homelessness, and arrest or conviction before age 21.