Youth Aging Out of Foster Care

In Texas, more than 1,000 youth age out of foster care each year.

When youth age out of the foster care system between 18 to 23 years old, they are vulnerable to addiction, human trafficking and homelessness. With little support, former foster youth are left to navigate from adolescence to adulthood on their own. Buckner transition programs are here to help with the adjustment and give youth the tools they need to succeed. 

Resources:

• Buckner NextStep is a supervised independent living program that provides females ages 18 to 24 with the support they need to meet their educational, career and independent living goals and achieve self-sufficiency. NextStep is located in Dallas.
  
• Buckner FYi Centers provide help to current and former youth in state foster care, ages 16 to 21. The goal of the program is to provide training, support and guidance to youth graduating from foster care that will enhance their ability to transition into independent living. FYi Centers are located in Amarillo, Beaumont, Lubbock, and Lufkin.

May 31 is National Aging Out of Foster Care Awareness Day. Click here to learn more.

How you can help:

• Become a foster parent for older youth. You can foster youth and help provide a loving home and mentorship for youth who may not have positive people in their lives. 
• Donate or get involved with an organization that focuses on helping youth age out of foster care. Click here to find a location near you.