FACTS

There are 400,000 children currently in foster care in the US. 27,000 children currently in foster care in Los Angeles County.

27,000

The number of foster children currently Los Angeles County.

More than 2,600 children will age out of the foster care system each year. Only 1 out of 2 youth who age out of the system will have some form of gainful employment by the age of 24.

Average Student Graduates

83%

Foster Student Graduates

53%

In California, the statewide average high school graduation rate by youth is 83%. Due to the instability of home life, changing schools is common.

For students in foster care, only 53% will graduate on time.

"35,661 (7.4%) teens were disconnected from school and work, and approximately one in seven (13.6%, 65,163) were connected to both"

Disconnected Youth
Not in school - Not employed

Disconnected Youth are more likely to:

Have a HS diploma; but no further (19- 24 age)

Receive food stamps

Receive medicaid

Live in poverty

Have children of their own (females)

Disconnected youth detached from education and employment are more likely to experience a broad array of hardships that negatively impact their social, emotional, economic, and physical well-being.