Child Welfare: Profiles of Current and Former
Older Foster Youth Based on the National
Youth in Transition Database (NYTD)
Adrienne L. Fernandes-Alcantara
Specialist in Social Policy
October 6, 2014
Congressional Research Service
7-5700
www.crs.gov
R43752
Child Welfare: Profiles of Current and Former Foster Youth
Summary
Congress has long been concerned with the well-being of older youth in foster care and those who
have recently emancipated from care without going to a permanent home. Research on this
population is fairly limited, and the few studies that are available have focused on youth in a
small number of states. This research has generally found that youth who spend time in foster
care during their teenage years tend to have difficulty as they enter adulthood and beyond.
The Chafee Foster Care Independence Act (P.L. 106-169), enacted in 1999, specified that state
child welfare agencies provide additional supports to youth transitioning from foster care under
the newly created Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (CFCIP). The law also directed the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which administers child welfare
programs, to consult with stakeholders to develop a national data system on the number,
characteristics, and outcomes of current and former foster youth. In response to these
requirements, HHS created the National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) under a final rule
promulgated in 2008. The rule requires that each state child welfare agency commence collecting
and reporting the data beginning in FY2011 (October 1, 2010).
This report provides summary and detailed data about current and former foster youth, as
reported by states to HHS via the NYTD. Data are available on two sets of youth. First, states
report information each fiscal year on eligible youth who currently receive independent living
services regardless of whether they continue to remain in foster care, were in foster care in other
states, or received child welfare services through Indian tribes or privately operated foster care
programs. These youth are known as served youth. Data on served youth are intended to show
how many youth received independent living services. Second, states report information on foster
youth on or about their 17th birthdays, on or about their 19th birthdays, and again on or about their
21st birthdays. This reported information is based primarily on data collected through surveys of
the youth. In this second group, foster youth at age 17 are known as the baseline youth, and at
ages 19 and 21 they are known as the follow-up youth. Data from the tracked population of youth
are intended to show education, work, health, and other outcomes of youth who were in foster
care at age 17. These current and former foster youth are tracked regardless of whether they
receive independent living services at ages 17, 19, and 21.
As noted, states began reporting NYTD data to HHS for served and baseline youth in FY2011.
The data in this report include those for served youth in FY2011 through FY2013 and for follow-
up youth for FY2013. Between 97,000 and 120,000 youth received independent living services in
each of FY2011 through FY2013. The median age of these youth was 18. In each of the three
years, the most common independent living services they received were academic support, career
preparation, and education about housing and home management. Over 27,000 follow-up youth
were surveyed about their outcomes at age 19. About one-third of youth were working full time
and/or part time. Just over half (54%) were enrolled in school. Almost all of the youth had a
positive connection with an adult who could serve in a mentoring or substitute parent role. Most
youth had not experienced homelessness or incarceration in their lifetimes. The majority of youth
had Medicaid or some other health insurance. However, youth who were no longer in foster care
tended to have more negative outcomes on certain indicators. For example, youth in foster care
were much less likely to report ever having been homeless compared to youth who left care (11%
versus 24%). Likewise, they were less likely to report having ever been incarcerated compared to
these same peers (14% versus 29%).
Congressional Research Service
Child Welfare: Profiles of Current and Former Foster Youth
Contents
National Youth in Transition Database ............................................................................................ 1
Background................................................................................................................................ 1
Served Youth.............................................................................................................................. 2
Follow-Up Youth ....................................................................................................................... 3
Demographics ..................................................................................................................... 3
Financial Self-Sufficiency ................................................................................................... 3
Educational Attainment ....................................................................................................... 4
Positive Connections with Adults........................................................................................ 4
Homelessness and High-Risk Behaviors ............................................................................. 4
Access to Health Insurance ................................................................................................. 4
Figures
Figure 1. Share of Current and Former Foster Youth Who Received an Independent
Living Service(s) by Type of Service Received, FY2011-FY2013 ............................................ 11
Figure 2. Selected Outcomes of Current and Former Foster Youth at Age 19, FY2013................ 21
Tables
Table 1. Characteristics of Current and Former Foster Youth Who Received an
Independent Living Service and Service(s) Received, FY2011-FY2013 .................................... 6
Table 2. Demographics of Current and Former Foster Youth at Age 19 and Their
Outcomes by Foster Care Status and Receipt of Independent Living Services, FY2013 ........... 12
Contacts
Author Contact Information........................................................................................................... 21
Congressional Research Service
Child Welfare: Profiles of Current and Former Foster Youth
National Youth in Transition Database
Background
Research on former foster youth is limited, and most of the studies on outcomes for these youth
face methodological challenges. For example, they include brief follow-up periods; have low
response rates, non-representative samples, and small sample sizes; and do not follow youth prior
to exit from foster care.1 Few studies include comparison groups to gauge how well these youth
are transitioning to adulthood in relation to their peers in the foster care population or general
population. However, two studies—the Northwest Foster Care Alumni Study and the Midwest
Evaluation of the Adult Functioning of Former Foster Youth—have tracked outcomes for a
sample of youth across several domains, either prospectively (following youth in care and as they
age out and beyond) or retrospectively (examining current outcomes for young adults who were
in care at least a few years ago) and compared these outcomes to other groups of youth, either
those who aged out and/or youth in the general population.2 Nonetheless, these studies focus only
on youth who were in foster care in four states.
The 1999 law (P.L. 106-169) authorizing the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (CFCIP)
required that HHS develop a data system to capture the characteristics and experiences of certain
current and former foster youth across the country.3 The law directed the Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS) to consult with state and local public officials responsible for
administering independent living and other child welfare programs, child welfare advocates,
Members of Congress, youth service providers, and researchers to “develop outcome measures
(including measures of educational attainment, high school diploma, avoidance of dependency,
homelessness, non-marital childbirth, incarceration, and high risk behaviors) that can be used to
assess the performances of States in operating independent living programs” and identify the data
needed to track the number and characteristics of children receiving independent living services,
the type of services provided, and state performance on the measures. In response to these
requirements, HHS created the National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD). The final rule
establishing the NYTD became effective April 28, 2008, and it required states to report data to
HHS on youth beginning in FY2011.4 This report provides summary and detailed data for
FY2011 through FY2013.5
1 For a compendium of outcome studies and the methodologies, see Mark. E Courtney and Darcy Hughes Heuring,
“The Transition to Adulthood for Youth ‘Aging Out’ of the Foster Care System,” in On Your Own Without a Net, ed.
Wayne Osgood et al. (Chicago and London: University of Chicago Press, 2005), pp. 27-67.
2 Peter J. Pecora et al., Improving Foster Family Care: Findings from the Northwest Foster Care Alumni Study, Casey
Family Programs, 2005, http://www.casey.org/Resources/Publications/pdf/ImprovingFamilyFosterCare_FR.pdf; and
Mark E. Courtney et al., Midwest Evaluation of the Adult Functioning of Former Foster Youth, Chapin Hall at the
University of Chicago, 2011, at http://www.chapinhall.org/research/report/midwest-evaluation-adult-functioning-
former-foster-youth.
3 For further information about the CFCIP, see CRS Report RL34499, Youth Transitioning from Foster Care:
Background and Federal Programs, by Adrienne L. Fernandes-Alcantara.
4 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Chafee National Youth in Transition Database,” 73 Federal
Register 10338, February 26, 2008. For further information, request a copy of a Congressional Distribution
Memorandum, Chafee Foster Care Independence Act National Youth in Transition Database, by Adrienne L.
Fernandes-Alcantara.
5 For further information, see U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and
(continued...)
Congressional Research Service
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Child Welfare: Profiles of Current and Former Foster Youth
HHS uses NYTD to engage in two data reporting activities. First, states report information twice
each fiscal year on eligible youth who currently receive independent living services regardless of
whether they continue to remain in foster care, were in foster care in other states, or received
child welfare services through Indian tribes or privately operated foster care programs. These
youth are known as served youth. Independent living services refer to the supports that youth
receive—such as academic assistance and career preparation services—to assist them as they
transition to adulthood. Second, states report information on foster youth on or about their 17th
birthdays, on or about their 19th birthdays, and again on or about their 21st birthdays. In this
second group, foster youth at age 17 are known as the baseline youth, and at ages 19 and 21 they
are known as the follow-up youth (and are also referred to as tracked youth in this report). These
current and former foster youth are tracked regardless of whether they receive independent living
services at ages 17, 19, and 21. States may track a sample of youth6 who participated in the
outcomes collection at age 17 to reduce the data collection burden. Information is to be collected
on a new group of foster youth at age 17 every three years.
Served Youth
Table 1 includes an overview of data on the served youth who received independent living
services and the type of services they received for each of FY2011 through FY2013.
The number of youth receiving an independent living service in each of those years ranged from
about 97,500 to nearly 102,000. Across all three years, youth were 18 years old, on average, and
more than half were female (51% to 52%). The largest share of youth were white (41%-42%)
followed by black (29%-31%) and Hispanic youth (19%). About seven out of 10 youth were in
foster care when they reported receiving services. Youth generally had less than a 12th grade level
of education, and about one out of five received special education instruction during a given fiscal
year. In addition, nearly one out of five had been adjudicated delinquent, meaning that a court has
found the youth guilty of committing a delinquent act.
Among the most frequently received services in most of the three years were academic support to
assist the youth with completing high school or obtaining a general equivalency degree (GED),
such as academic counseling and literacy training; career preparation services that focus on
developing a youth’s ability to find, apply for, and retain appropriate employment, including
vocational and career assessments and job seeking and job placement support; and an
independent living needs assessment to identify the youth’s basic skills, emotional and social
capabilities, strengths, and needs to match the youth with appropriate independent living services
(see Figure 1). About 60% of youth received three or more independent living services.
(...continued)
Families, National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD), Federal Fiscal Year 2011, September 2012; National Youth
in Transition Database (NYTD), Federal Fiscal Year 2012, August 2013; Youth in Transition Database (NYTD),
Federal Fiscal Year 2013, July 2014.
6 A state must draw a sample of youth based on certain procedures. The sample size is based on the number of baseline
youth who participated in the state’s data collection at age 17. States must use specified formulas based on whether the
number of baseline youth is above or below 5,000.
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Child Welfare: Profiles of Current and Former Foster Youth
Follow-Up Youth
Table 2 summarizes the characteristics and outcomes of the 19-year-old follow-up youth in
FY2013. These youth—part of the follow-up population—were initially surveyed in FY2011 (at
“baseline”) when they were 17 years of age. The table displays information for the entire
surveyed group of 19-year-olds (youth overall) as well as four sub-categories of these youth: (1)
those who were in foster care, (2) those who were not, (3) those who had received at least one
independent living service, and (4) those who had not. These categories are not mutually
exclusive. Most of the 19-year-old youth who were in foster care also received at least one
independent living service.7 Therefore, the data for these two groups are similar. In total, 27,101
youth participated in the survey at age 19 (compared to 28,318 who participated at age 17). Those
who did not participate had declined to participate, were considered to be on runaway or missing
status, could not be otherwise located, were incapacitated or incarcerated, or were deceased.
Figure 2 includes data on selected outcomes for youth in foster care and those who are no longer
in foster care.
Demographics
Half or slightly more than half of the 19-year-old youth participants were male. The largest share
of youth were white (42%), followed by black (31%) and Hispanic (19%) youth. Youth were
asked about their outcomes across six areas: financial self-sufficiency, educational (academic or
vocational) training, positive connections with adults, homelessness, high-risk behaviors, and
access to health insurance.
Financial Self-Sufficiency
About one-third of youth were working full time and/or part time at age 19; however, youth in
foster care were more likely to be working part time, and youth not in foster care or not receiving
any independent living service were slightly more likely to be working full time. Approximately
30% of youth had completed an apprenticeship, internship, or other type of on-the-job training in
the past year. (For comparison, approximately 13% of these youth were working full time and/or
part time, and 20% had completed employment-related skills training when they were surveyed at
age 17).
The 19-year-old youth were about equally likely to receive Social Security benefits—either
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) (12% to
14%)—regardless of foster care status or receipt of independent living services. (About the same
share of these youth was receiving Social Security at age 17.) Youth not receiving any
independent living services were slightly less likely to report receiving other ongoing financial
support (11% versus 13%-17%). Youth who were in foster care at age 19 did not qualify for
public supports such as financial assistance, food assistance, and public housing. The other
groups of 19-year-old youth—those not in care, those receiving at least one independent living
7 Most of the surveyed youth who were in foster care (9,214) had received at least one independent living service
(7,147 youth, or 78%). In contrast, less than half of the youth who were no longer in foster care (17,886) had received
at least one independent living service (8,409 or 47%).
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Child Welfare: Profiles of Current and Former Foster Youth
service (and not in care), and those not receiving any independent living services (and not in
care)—were equally likely to receive such public supports.
Educational Attainment
Overall, youth were most likely to have a high school diploma (56%) or general education
development (GED) equivalent. Educational outcomes were notably distinct for follow-up youth
at age 19 depending on whether they were in foster care or whether they received an independent
living service. Youth who were in foster care at age 19 and/or who received at least one
independent living service were also slightly more likely to have a high school diploma or
equivalent than those who were not in care or had not received at least one independent living
service (58%-60% versus 52%-53%). Overall, 54% of youth were enrolled in school at age 19,
which could include high school, college, or vocational school. Among youth in foster care, 70%
were currently enrolled. This is compared to 44%-62% of the other three subgroups (youth not in
care, youth receiving at least one independent living service, and youth not receiving at least one
such service). (Also for comparison, when these youth were age 17, almost all (93%) were
attending school and 8% had obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent.)
Positive Connections with Adults
Almost all youth at age 19—regardless of foster care status or receipt of independent living
services—said that they had a positive connection to an adult who could serve in a mentoring or
substitute parent role, including a relative, former foster parent, birth parent, or older member of
the community. (Nearly all youth had reported the same when they were surveyed at age 17.)
Homelessness and High-Risk Behaviors
Most of the 19-year-old youth had not experienced homelessness in their lifetime, and youth in
foster care were much less likely to report being homeless than the other groups (11% versus
18%-24%). (This is compared to 16% of youth overall when they were surveyed at age 17.)
Youth in care at age 19 were also less likely to report having been incarcerated (14% versus 20%-
29%). About the same share of youth (13%-17%) self-referred or were referred for alcohol or
drug abuse assessment or counseling during the fiscal year, regardless of foster care or
independent living status. Youth in care and/or receiving at least one independent living service
were slightly less likely to report that they had ever given birth to or fathered any children (9%-
10% versus 13%-14%).
Access to Health Insurance
In general, nearly nine out of 10 youth had Medicaid or some other health insurance at age 19.
(About the same share of youth had health insurance coverage at age 17.) Youth in care and/or
youth receiving at least one independent living service were more likely to report having health
insurance (95%-99%), compared to youth who were not in care or receiving independent living
services (74%-88%). Most youth in care or receiving at least one independent living service
received Medicaid coverage (81%-85%). About the same share of youth (14% to 17%),
regardless of foster care status or their receipt of independent living services, had other health
insurance. Among youth who had health insurance, those receiving at least one independent
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Child Welfare: Profiles of Current and Former Foster Youth
living service and/or not in foster care were slightly more likely than youth in foster care and/or
not receiving any independent living services to have insurance coverage for at least some
prescription drugs (77%-78% versus 70%-72%).
Congressional Research Service
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Table 1. Characteristics of Current and Former Foster Youth Who Received an Independent Living Service
and Service(s) Received, FY2011-FY2013
Based on Data for “Served Youth,” Which Includes Youth Who Received One or More Independent Living Services
Paid for or Provided by the State During the Fiscal Year
FY2011
FY2012
FY2013
Number and Percentage
Number and Percentage
Number and Percentage
Data Element
Description
n= 97,453
n= 101,780
n= 99,974
Demographics
Age
The age of youth receiving services
14-16: 25,877 (27%)
14-16: 27,238 (27%)
14-16: 24,952 (25%)
(by age group).
17-18: 40,924 (42%)
17-18: 41,515 (41%)
17-18: 39,590 (40%)
19-20: 22,493 (24%)
19-20: 24,420 (24%)
19-20: 26,054 (26%)
21-26: 6,819 (7%)
21-26: 7,421 (7%)
21-26: 8,161 (8%)
Median Age and
The median age and average age of
Median age: 18
Median age: 18
Median age: 18
Average Age
youth receiving services.
Average age: 18
Average age: 18
Average age: 18
Sex
Youth who are male or female.
Male: 46,389 (48%)
Male: 49,625 (49%)
Male: 48,859 (49%)
Female: 50,614 (52%)
Female: 52,155 (51%)
Female: 51,115 (51%)
Race and Ethnicity
Youth self-identifies or is identified by
American Indian/Alaskan
American Indian/Alaskan
American Indian/Alaskan
a family member as a member of
Native: 1,752 (2%)
Native: 1,686 (2%)
Native: 1,767 (2%)
racial group or as Hispanic or Latino.
Youth or family member may select
Asian: 911 (1%)
Asian: 964 (1%)
Asian: 997 (1%)
all that apply or may decline to do so.
Black or African American:
Black or African American:
Black or African American:
(For purposes of this table, any youth
30,206 (31%)
31,404 (31%)
29,418 (29%)
who identifies as Hispanic is shown in
that category and is not counted in
Native Hawaiian/other Pacific
Native Hawaiian/other Pacific
Native Hawaiian/other Pacific
any of the race categories.)
islander: 474 (1%)
islander: 527 (<1%)
islander: 428 (<1%)
White: 40,270 (41%)
White: 41,932 (41%)
White: 41,794 (42%)
Hispanic: 18,666 (19%)
Hispanic: 19,308 (19%)
Hispanic: 19,329 (19%)
Two or more races: 3,994 (4%)
Two or more races: 4,400 (4%)
Two or more races: 4,813 (5%)
Unknown: 744 (1%)
Unknown: 856 (1%)
Unknown: 744 (1%)
CRS-6
FY2011
FY2012
FY2013
Number and Percentage
Number and Percentage
Number and Percentage
Data Element
Description
n= 97,453
n= 101,780
n= 99,974
Declined: 106 (<1%)
Declined: 223 (<1%)
Declined: 165 (<1%)
Foster Care Status
Youth was in foster care at any point
69,465 (71%)
70,615 (69%)
69,776 (70%)
during the fiscal year.
Federally
Youth was enrolled in or eligible for
4,537 (5%)
2,964 (3%)
2,602 (3%)
Recognized Tribe
membership in a federally recognized
tribe.
Adjudicated
Youth was found guilty of committing
16,497 (17%)
18,457 (18%)
18,881 (19%)
Delinquent
a delinquent act by a federal or state
court.
Educational Levela
Youth’s highest educational level
Postsecondary education or training Postsecondary education or
Postsecondary education or
college (at least one semester):
training college (at least one
training college (at least one
9,267 (9%)
semester): 8,907 (9%)
semester): 8,598 (9%)
12th grade: 17,006 (18%)
12th grade: 18,125 (18%)
12th grade: 18,319 (18%)
Less than 12th grade: 68,302 (70%)
Less Than 12th grade: 72,190
Less Than 12th grade: 69,635
(71%)
(70%)
Special Education
Youth received special education
19,795 (20%)
21,338 (21%)
21,337 (21%)
Status
instruction during the fiscal year.
Service Elements
Multiple Services
Youth received 3 or more
55,699 (57%)
59,732 (59%)
57,900 (58%)
independent living services.
Independent Living
Youth received an independent living
43,403 (44%)
43,392 (43%)
42,488 (42%)
Needs Assessment
needs assessment during the fiscal
year.
Academic Support
Youth received services that can help
44,315 (46%)
48,344 (48%)
47,506 (48%)
him/her complete high school or
obtain a general equivalency degree
(GED).
CRS-7
FY2011
FY2012
FY2013
Number and Percentage
Number and Percentage
Number and Percentage
Data Element
Description
n= 97,453
n= 101,780
n= 99,974
Post-Secondary
Youth received post-secondary
24,404 (25%)
25,666 (25%)
25,991 (26%)
Educational
educational support, including services
Support
that help a youth enter or complete
college.
Career Preparation Youth received career preparation
38,049 (39%)
39,701 (39%)
37,879 (38%)
services that develop a youth’s ability
to find, apply for, and retain
appropriate employment.
Employment
Youth received vocational preparation 20,404 (21%)
20,887 (20%)
21,271 (21%)
Programs or
services designed to build a youth’s
Vocational Training skills for a specific trade, vocation, or
career through classes or on-site
training.
Budget and
Youth received budget and financial
34,063 (35%)
36,781 (36%)
36,227 (36%)
Financial
management services related to
Management
budget and financial independent living
skills, including education and practice
in budgeting, banking, consumer
awareness, and information about
credit, loans, and taxes.
Housing Education
Youth received housing education and 36,658 (38%)
39,540 (39%)
38,709 (39%)
and Home
home management training, including
Management
instruction and support services to
Training
locate and maintain housing,
understand tenant and landlord
responsibilities, and acquire home
management skills.
Health Education
Youth received health education on
35,621 (37%)
38,139 (38%)
35,837 (36%)
and Risk
health-related topics (but not direct
Prevention
receipt of health services), including
the benefits of preventive care,
fitness, nutrition, and risk prevention.
CRS-8
FY2011
FY2012
FY2013
Number and Percentage
Number and Percentage
Number and Percentage
Data Element
Description
n= 97,453
n= 101,780
n= 99,974
Family Support and
Youth received health education on
29,992 (31%)
31,596 (31%)
31,411 (31%)
Healthy Marriage
maintaining healthy families, including
Education
parenting and childcare skills, spousal
communication, family violence
prevention, and responsible
fatherhood.
Mentoring
Youth received programs or services
17,308 (18%)
18,992 (19%)
20,129 (20%)
in which the youth met regularly with
a screened and trained adult on a
one-on-one basis.
Supervised
Youth received supervised
11,291 (12%)
10,076 (10%)
10,599 (11%)
Independent Living
independent living under the
supervision of an agency, but the
youth was not supervised 24 hours a
day. Youth were often provided with
increased responsibilities, such as
paying bills and assuming leases.
Room and Board
Youth received room and board
13,535 (14%)
14,468 (14%)
14,173 (14%)
Financial Assistance assistance, including rent deposit,
utilities, and other household start-up
expenses.
Education Financial
Youth received financial assistance for 22,214 (23%)
21,809 (21%)
21,505 (22%)
Assistance
education or training, including for
textbooks, uniforms, and other
education supplies; tuition assistance,
scholarships; payments for educational
preparation and support services; and
payment for GED and other
educational tests. This includes
education and training vouchers.
CRS-9
FY2011
FY2012
FY2013
Number and Percentage
Number and Percentage
Number and Percentage
Data Element
Description
n= 97,453
n= 101,780
n= 99,974
Other Financial
Any other type of financial assistance
26,535 (27%)
29,052 (29%)
28,854 (29%)
Assistance
that the child welfare agency provides
to a youth in order to help the
transition from foster care to self-
sufficiency.
Source: Table prepared by the Congressional Research Service based on information provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration
for Children and Families, Administration on Children Youth and Families, Children’s Bureau, September 2014.
Notes: Data were reported as of June 2014 and were submitted via the National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) by al 52 jurisdictions (50 states, DC, and PR).
The description of each data element is nearly verbatim from the regulation. For a ful description of each data element, see U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, “Chafee National Youth in Transition Database,” 73 Federal Register 10338, February 26, 2008.
Some data were missing for each element or the data were in error, and therefore the number of youth does not total to the overall number for a given fiscal year, and
the percentage does not total to 100% in those categories that have multiple variables.
a. This table does not include tabulations of data outcomes, such as education, by age. The relatively low level of educational attainment is likely due to the fact that
the median age is 18 (and about 70% are age 18 or younger), when youth are general y expected to have a high school diploma or its equivalent or be nearly finished
with high school.
CRS-10
Child Welfare: Profiles of Current and Former Foster Youth
Figure 1. Share of Current and Former Foster Youth Who Received an Independent
Living Service(s) by Type of Service Received, FY2011-FY2013
Based on Data for “Served Youth,” Which Includes Youth Who Received an Independent Living Service
Paid for or Provided by the State During the Fiscal Year
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
FY2011
FY2012
FY2013
Source: Figure prepared by the Congressional Research Service based on information provided by the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration on
Children Youth and Families, Children’s Bureau, September 2014.
Notes: Data were reported as of June 2014 and were submitted via the National Youth in Transition Database
(NYTD) by all 52 jurisdictions (50 states, DC, and PR). For a full description of each data element, see U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, “Chafee National Youth in Transition Database,” 73 Federal
Register10338, February 26, 2008.
Congressional Research Service
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Table 2. Demographics of Current and Former Foster Youth at
Age 19 and Their Outcomes by Foster Care Status and Receipt of Independent Living Services, FY2013
Based on Data for “Follow-Up” from the National Youth in Transition Database (n = 27,101)
Who Had Participated in “Baseline” Data Collection at Age 17
Youth Receiving at Least One Independent
Youth in Foster Care
Living Service
Youth
Data Element
Description
Overall
Yes
No Yes No
Demographics
Youth
Participants in the
27,101
9,214
17,887
15,556
11,545
survey.
Sex
Youth who are
Male: 14,179 (52%)
Male: 53%
Male: 52%
Male: 50%
Male: 55%
male or female.
Female: 12,922 (47%)
Female: 47%
Female: 48%
Female: 50%
Female: 45%
Race Youth
self-
American
American Indian or
American Indian or
American Indian or
American Indian or
identifies or is
Indian/Alaskan
Alaska Native: 1%
Alaska Native: 1%
Alaska Native: 1%
Alaska Native: 1%
identified by a
Native: 302 (1%)
family member as
a member of racial Asian: 238 (1%)
Asian: 1%
Asian: 1%
Asian: 1%
Asian: 1%
group or as
Black or African
Black or African
Black or African
Black or African
Black or African
Hispanic or Latino. American:
American: 33%
American: 30%
American: 32%
American: 31%
Youth or family
8,374 (31%)
member may
select all that
Native Hawai an/other
Native Hawaiian or
Native Hawaiian or
Native Hawaiian or
Native Hawaiian or other
apply or may
Pacific islander: 0 (0%)
other Pacific islander:
other Pacific islander:
other Pacific islander:
Pacific islander:
decline to do so.
0%
0%
0%
0%
(For purposes of
White: 11,273 (42%)
White: 33%
White: 46%
White: 38%
White: 46%
this table, any
youth who
Hispanic (of any race):
Hispanic (of any race): Hispanic (of any race):
Hispanic (of any race):
Hispanic (of any race):
identifies as
5,219 (19%)
25%
16%
22%
15%
Hispanic is shown
in that category
Two or more races:
Two or more races:
Two or more races: 5%
Two or more races:
Two or more races: 5%
and is not counted 1,335 (5%)
5%
5%:
in any of the race
Unknown: 127 (1%)
Unknown: <1%
Unknown:1%
Unknown: 1%
Unknown: 1%
categories.)
CRS-12
Youth Receiving at Least One Independent
Youth in Foster Care
Living Service
Youth
Data Element
Description
Overall
Yes
No Yes No
Declined: 0 (0%)
Declined: 0%
Declined: 0%
Declined: 0%
Declined: 0%
Outcome 1: Increase young people’s financial self-sufficiency
Full-Time
Youth was
Yes: 3,100 (11%)
Yes: 9%
Yes: 13%
Yes: 10%
Yes: 14%
Employmenta
employed ful time
(35 hours or more No: 23,698 (87%)
No: 90%
No: 86%
No: 89%
No: 85%
per week) during
Declined: 0 (0%)
Declined: 0%
Declined: 0%
Declined: 0%
Declined: 0%
the reporting
period.
Part-Time
Youth was
Yes: 6,106 (23%)
Yes: 28%
Yes: 20%
Yes: 24%
Yes: 20%
Employmenta
employed part
time (less than 35
No: 20,428 (75%)
No: 71%
No: 78%
No: 74%
No: 78%
hours per week)
Declined: 273 (2%)
Declined: 2%
Declined: 2%
Declined: 2%
Declined: 2%
during the
reporting period.
Employment-
Youth completed
Yes: 8,004 (30%)
Yes: 31%
Yes: 29%
Yes: 32%
Yes: 27%
Related Skills
an apprenticeship,
internship, or
No: 18,503 (68%)
No: 67%
No: 69%
No: 66%
No: 71%
other type of on-
Declined: 584 (2%)
Declined: 2%
Declined: 2%
Declined: 2%
Declined: 2%
the-job training in
the past year.
Social Security
Youth received
Yes: 3,695 (14%)
Yes: 12%
Yes: 14%
Yes: 13%
Yes: 14%
Social Security
benefits, including
No: 22,635 (84%)
No: 85%
No: 83%
No: 84%
No: 83%
Social Security
Declined: 743 (2%)
Declined: 3%
Declined: 3%
Declined: 2%
Declined: 3%
Income (SSI) or
Social Security
Disability
Insurance (SSDI),
either directly or
as a dependent
beneficiary.
CRS-13
Youth Receiving at Least One Independent
Youth in Foster Care
Living Service
Youth
Data Element
Description
Overall
Yes
No Yes No
Educational Aid
Youth received
Yes: 6,507 (24%)
Yes: 32%
Yes: 20%
Yes: 29%
Yes: 17%
educational
financial
No: 19,834 (73%)
No: 66%
No: 77%
No: 69%
No: 79%
assistance—a
Declined: 744 (3%)
Declined: 2%
Declined: 3%
Declined: 2%
Declined: 4%
scholarship,
education or
training voucher,
grant, stipend,
student loan, or
other type of
educational
financial aid—
during the
reporting period.
Other Financial
Youth received
Yes: 3,869 (14%)
Yes: 17%
Yes: 13%
Yes: 17%
Yes: 11%
Support
any other ongoing
financial resources No: 22,529 (83%)
No: 80%
No: 85%
No: 81%
No: 86%
or support not
Declined: 0 (0%)
Declined: 0%
Declined: 0%
Declined: 0%
Declined: 0%
included in the
previous financial
elements during
the reporting
period, such as
financial support
through a spouse,
child support
payments, or a
legal settlement.
Public Financial
Youth received
Yes: 1,801 (10%)
Not applicable
Yes: 10%
Yes: 11%
Yes: 9%
Assistance
any ongoing cash
(applies only to
assistance
No: 15,301 (86%)
No: 86%
No: 86%
No: 86%
youth age 19 or
payments from
Declined: 448 (3%)
Declined: 3%
Declined: 2%
Declined: 4%
older and who
the government to
are not in foster support basic
CRS-14
Youth Receiving at Least One Independent
Youth in Foster Care
Living Service
Youth
Data Element
Description
Overall
Yes
No Yes No
care) needs.
This
excludes child
care subsidies,
education
assistance, food
stamps, and
housing assistance.
Public Food
Youth received
Yes: 5,350 (30%)
Not applicable
Yes: 30%
Yes: 31%
Yes: 29%
Assistance
food assistance
(applies only to
that includes food
No: 11,903 (67%)
No: 66%
No: 67%
No: 66%
youth age 19 or
stamps in any
Declined: 227 (2%)
Declined: (2%)
Declined: (1%)
Declined: (3%)
older who are
form
not in foster
(government-
care)
issued coupons or
debit cards used
to buy eligible
food at authorized
stores) and
assistance from
Women, Infants
and Children
(WIC) program.
Public Housing
Youth received
Yes: 1,077 (6%)
Not applicable
Yes: 6%
Yes: 7%
Yes: 5%
Assistance
housing assistance
(applies only to
from the
No: 16,178 (90%)
No: 90%
No: 91%
No: 90%
youth age 19 or
government such
Declined: 454 (2%)
Declined: 2%
Declined: 2%
Declined: 3%
older who are
as public housing
not in foster
or a housing
care)
voucher that
allows participants
to choose their
own housing while
the government
pays part of the
CRS-15
Youth Receiving at Least One Independent
Youth in Foster Care
Living Service
Youth
Data Element
Description
Overall
Yes
No Yes No
housing costs. This
does not include
payments from a
child welfare
agency for room
and board.
Outcome 2: Improve young people’s educational (academic or vocational) training
Highest
Youth’s highest
Vocational
Vocational
Vocational
Vocational
Vocational
Educational
level of
certificate/license: 422
certificate/license: 1%
certificate/license: 2%
certificate/license: 1%
certificate/license: 2%
Certification
educational
(1%)
Received
certification.
High school diploma or
High school diploma
High school diploma or
High school diploma or High school diploma
GED: 15,062 (56%)
or GED: 60%
GED: 53%
GED: 58%
or GED: 52%
Associate’s degree or
Associate’s degree or
Associate’s degree or
Associate’s degree or
Associate’s degree or
higher: 21 (<1%)
higher: <1%
higher: <1%
higher: <1%
higher: <1%
None of the above:
None of the above:
None of the above: 39% None of the above:
None of the above:
10,203 (38%)
35%
36%
40%
Declined: 616 (2%)
Declined: 3%
Declined: 2%
Declined: 2%
Declined: 2%
Current
Youth was
Yes: 14,658 (54%)
Yes: 70%
Yes: 47%
Yes: 62%
Yes: 44%
Enrollment and
enrolled in and
Attendance
attending school
No: 11,769 (43%)
No: 28%
No: 51%
No: 36%
No: 53%
during the
Declined: 628 (2%)
Declined: 2%
Declined: 2%
Declined: 2%
Declined: 3%
reporting period,
including youth
who remained
enrolled in school
while on a break
or out of session.
Connection to
Youth had a
Yes: 24,139 (89%)
Yes: 92%
Yes: 88%
Yes: 91%
Yes: 87%
Adult
positive
No: 2,272 (8%)
No: 5%
No: 10%
No: 7%
No: 10%
CRS-16
Youth Receiving at Least One Independent
Youth in Foster Care
Living Service
Youth
Data Element
Description
Overall
Yes
No Yes No
connection to an
Declined: 639 (2%)
Declined: 3%
Declined: 2%
Declined: 2%
Declined: 3%
adult who could
serve in a
mentoring or
substitute parent
capacity during the
reporting period,
including a
relative, former
foster parent,
birth parent, or
older member of
the community.
This excludes a
peer or current
caseworker.
Outcome 3: Improve young people’s positive connections with adults
Outcome 4: Reduce homelessness among young people
Homelessness Youth
has
ever
Yes: 5,386 (20%)
Yes: 11%
Yes: 24%
Yes: 18%
Yes: 22%
been homeless.
No: 20,992 (77%)
No: 86%
No: 73%
No: 80%
No: 75%
Declined: 699 (3%)
Declined: 3%
Declined: 3%
Declined: 2%
Declined: 3%
Outcome 5: Reduce high-risk behavior among young people
Substance
Youth was
Yes: 4,137 (15%)
Yes: 13%
Yes: 17%
Yes: 14%
Yes: 17%
Abuse Referral
referred or self-
referred for
No: 22,362 (83%)
No: 85%
No: 81%
No: 85%
No: 80%
alcohol or drug
Declined: 563 (2%)
Declined: 2%
Declined: 2%
Declined: 1%
Declined: 3%
abuse assessment
or counseling
during the
reporting period.
CRS-17
Youth Receiving at Least One Independent
Youth in Foster Care
Living Service
Youth
Data Element
Description
Overall
Yes
No Yes No
Incarceration
Youth has ever
Yes: 6,450 (24%)
Yes: 14%
Yes: 29%
Yes: 20%
Yes: 29%
been confined to a
jail, prison, or
No: 19,978 (74%)
No: 83%
No: 69%
No: 78%
No: 67%
juvenile detention
Declined: 635 (2%)
Declined: 3%
Declined: 2%
Declined: 2%
Declined: 3%
facility in
connection with
allegedly
committing a
crime.
Children
Youth has ever
Yes: 3,138 (12%)
Yes: 9%
Yes: 13%
Yes: 10%
Yes: 14%
given birth to or
fathered any
No: 23,058 (85%)
No: 89%
No: 83%
No: 88%
No: 82%
children.
Declined: 879 (3%)
Declined: 2%
Declined: 4%
Declined: 3%
Declined: 4%
Marriage at
Youth was
Yes: 212 (7%)
Yes: 4%
Yes: 8%
Yes: 6%
Yes: 8%
Child’s Birth
married to the
(applies only to
child’s other
No: 2,826 (90%)
No: 93%
No: 89%
No: 90%
No: 90%
youth who
biological parent
Declined: 9 (3%)
Declined: 2%
Declined: 3%
Declined: 4%
Declined: 2%
reported having
at the time of the
had or fathered
birth of any
any children)
children
Outcome 6: Access to health insurance
Medicaid Youth
was Yes: 19,227 (71%)
Yes: 85%
Yes: 64%
Yes: 81%
Yes: 57%
participating in a
Medicaid-funded
No: 5,703 (21%)
No: 8%
No: 27%
No: 12%
No: 33%
state program.
Did not know: 1,555
Did not know: 4%
Did not know: 6%
Did not know: 5%
Did not know: 7%
(5%)
Declined: 586 (2%)
Declined: 2%
Declined: 2%
Declined: 2%
Declined: 2%
Other Health
Youth had health
Yes: 4,028 (15%)
Yes: 14%
Yes: 16%
Yes: 14%
Yes: 17%
Insurance
insurance (third-
party pay) other
No: 20,367 (75%)
No: 75%
No: 75%
No: 77%
No: 73%
than Medicaid.
Did not know: 1,988
Did not know: 9%
Did not know: 7%
Did not know: 8%
Did not know: 7%
CRS-18
Youth Receiving at Least One Independent
Youth in Foster Care
Living Service
Youth
Data Element
Description
Overall
Yes
No Yes No
(7%)
Declined: 629 (2%)
Declined: 2%
Declined: 2%
Declined: 2%
Declined: 3%
Health
Youth had
Yes: 3,407 (85%)
Yes: 80%
Yes: 87%
Yes: 82%
Yes: 88%
Insurance Type-
insurance that
Medical (applies
pays for al or part No: 213 (5%)
No: 10%
No: 3%
No: 7%
No: 4%
only to youth
of medical health
Did not know: 336
Did not know: 8%
Did not know: 9%
Did not know: 9%
Did not know: 8%
who had other
service.
(8%)
health
insurance)
Declined: 46 (1%)
Declined: <1%
Declined: 1%
Declined: 2%
Declined: 1%
Health
Youth had
Yes: 2,688 (67%)
Yes: 64%
Yes: 68%
Yes: 66%
Yes: 68%
Insurance Type-
insurance
Mental Health
coverage for at
No: 202 (5%)
No: 3%
No: 6%
No: 4%
No: 6%
(applies only to
least some mental
Did not know: 512
Did not know: 11%
Did not know: 14%
Did not know: 11%
Did not know: 15%
youth who had
health services.
(13%)
other health
insurance)
Declined: 142 (3%)
Declined: 6%
Declined: 2%
Declined: 5%
Declined: 2%
Missing data: 484 (12%)
Missing data: 15%
Missing data: 10%
Missing data: 15%
Missing data: 9%
Health
Youth had
Yes: 3,013 (75%)
Yes: 70%
Yes: 77%
Yes: 72%
Yes: 78%
Insurance Type-
insurance
Prescription
coverage for at
No: 130 (3%)
No: 2%
No: 4%
No: 2%
No: 4%
Drugs (applies
least some
Did not know: 276
Did not know: 6%
Did not know: 7%
Did not know:6%
Did not know: 8%
only to youth
prescription drugs. (7%)
who had other
health
Declined: 123 (3%)
Declined: 6%
Declined: 2%
Declined: 5%
Declined: 1%
insurance)
Missing data: 486 (12%)
Missing data: 15%
Missing data: 10%
Missing data: 15%
Missing data: 9%
Source: Table prepared by the Congressional Research Service based on information provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration
for Children and Families, Administration on Children Youth and Families, Children’s Bureau, September 2014.
Notes: Data were reported as of June 2014 and were submitted via the National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) by 50 states/jurisdictions (two states had 0%
follow-up response rates and were not included in this dataset). The description of each data element is nearly verbatim from the regulation. For a full description of
element, see U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Chafee National Youth in Transition Database,” 73 Federal Register 10338, February 26, 2008.
CRS-19
The table displays information based on whether the youth were in foster care and whether they received at least one independent living service. These categories are
not mutually exclusive, and most of the youth who were in foster care also received at least one independent living service.
To correct for potential non-response bias at both baseline and fol ow-up, a weighting methodology was used to ensure that youth who completed the survey
(respondents) were representative of the population of the FY2011 cohort of 17-year-olds for whom the survey is intended to assess over time.
Some youth had declined to participate, were considered to be on runaway or missing status, could not be otherwise located, were incapacitated or incarcerated, or
were deceased. Missing data refers to instances where no data have been entered, if applicable, for a particular data element. Except for two data elements—Health
Insurance Type-Mental Health and Health Insurance Type-Prescription Drugs—the table excludes the missing data since the numbers are negligible. For this reason, and
because of rounding, some of the categories with multiple variables may not round to 100%.
a. A youth may have held full-time and part-time jobs concurrently.
CRS-20
Child Welfare: Profiles of Current and Former Foster Youth
Figure 2. Selected Outcomes of Current and Former Foster Youth at Age 19, FY2013
Based on Data for “Tracked Population” from the National Youth in Transition Database (n = 27,101)
Who Had Participated in Baseline Data Collection at Age 19
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Ever Given
Ever Been
Referred for
Ever
Receives Other
Receives
Employed Full-
Has High
Enrolled in
Has Medicaid
Birth to, or
Homeless
Substance
Incarcerated
Financial
Educational Aid Time or Part- School Diploma
School
or Some Other
Fathered, a
Abuse
Support
Time
or Higher
Insurance
Child
In Foster Care
No Longer in Foster Care
Source: Table prepared by the Congressional Research Service based on information provided by the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration on Children
Youth and Families, Children’s Bureau, September 2014.
Notes: Unless otherwise noted, these outcomes pertain to the youth’s status in FY2013.
Author Contact Information
Adrienne L. Fernandes-Alcantara
Specialist in Social Policy
afernandes@crs.loc.gov, 7-9005
Congressional Research Service
21