Extension of Foster Care Beyond Age 18

Series Title:  State Statutes
Author(s):  Child Welfare Information Gateway
Year Published:  2017
Current Through:  February 2017
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Young people leaving foster care are often at different levels of development in their transition to adulthood. With the growing recognition that most young people are not fully prepared for self-sufficiency at age 18, States offer a variety of programs, including foster care, to this population. This factsheet presents State laws regarding the options available to youth who are transitioning to independent living, including the ability to voluntarily extend their placement in out-of-home care. The requirements for remaining in placement and the programs and services available to support the transition to independence also are discussed. Summaries of laws related to these issues for all States and U.S. territories are included.

Table of Contents

We also recommend the following Information Gateway publications:

Suggested Citation: Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2017). Extension of foster care beyond age 18. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children's Bureau.

This publication is a product of the State Statutes Series prepared by Child Welfare Information Gateway. While every attempt has been made to be as complete as possible, additional information on these topics may be in other sections of a State's code as well as agency regulations, case law, and informal practices and procedures.

This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information Gateway.