From Foster Care to Independence: Resources for a Safer Transition 

Written by Emily Arismendy

When we think of homelessness, children and adolescents aren’t usually the first faces that come to mind. Yet for many youth, particularly those aging out of the foster care system, homelessness can feel like a tragic inevitability. Homelessness is strongly correlated with violence and exploitation, creating dangerous conditions for vulnerable young people trying to survive.  

The journey from foster care to adulthood comes with several challenges that many young people face alone. For the 1,200 to 1,500 Texas youth who age out of the foster care system each year, the transition often leads to homelessness, financial instability, and mental health challenges. Approximately 20% of foster youth experience homelessness the day they leave foster care, and nearly half will be unhoused within 18 months. For these young people, independence is not just a milestone but a matter of survival. We need to address the structural and social barriers faced by these young adults to help create a promising future for them, free from violence. 

“We like to imagine that most children will be born into homes where they will be loved. . . . Every day thousands of children in our culture are verbally and physically abused, starved, tortured, and murdered. They are the true victims of intimate terrorism in that they have no collective voice and no rights. . . . There can be no love without justice. Until we live in a culture that not only respects but also upholds basic civil rights for children, most children will not know love.” – bell hooks, all about love 

Leaving Foster Care 

Foster care aims to protect children who cannot safely stay with their families, but for many young people, the transition out of the system can be jarring and isolating. Youth leaving foster care often encounter limited resources to support their journey into adulthood, which can lead to struggles with housing, employment, and mental health. For the thousands who age out each year the challenge is compounded by the lack of a consistent safety net after years of navigating an often-restrictive care system. 

While extended foster care programs exist to help youth stay in the system until they turn 21, they come with specific requirements—such as working at least 80 hours per month or attending school—that can be difficult for youth who may not yet have the skills or resources to meet them. Many foster youth have not had the chance to practice budgeting, job searching, or independent living due to restricted opportunities in placement settings. When youth turn 18, they often face a steep learning curve without much support, which can make the expectations set for them feel overwhelming. 

Additionally, youth of color experience added difficulties due to systemic inequities that have limited their access to resources and community support during their time in care. For Black youth, who are three times more likely to face homelessness than their non-Black peers, these limitations can create lasting barriers, reducing their chances of finding stable housing and employment after they age out.  

By recognizing the gaps in resources and offering targeted support, we can better prepare youth aging out of foster care to thrive in adulthood. Providing robust access to life-skills programs, financial support, and safe housing options is essential to giving them a fair chance at independence. 

The Power of Connection and Mentorship 

What can truly make a difference in the lives of these young adults is the presence of a positive, healthy adult figure. Mentorship offers a foundation of stability, providing youth with a trustworthy guide to navigate the complexities of adulthood. Mentors can assist with job searches, offer emotional support, and help youth set realistic goals. This connection, often missing for many foster youth, provides not only guidance but also a sense of belonging. 

Isolation can be one of the most detrimental outcomes for youth leaving the foster care system. Without a network of supportive adults or friends, youth are left without the essential connection that helps them navigate challenges and feel anchored to a community. As social beings, humans need meaningful connections and a sense of belonging to thrive. When young people feel disconnected and isolated, they are more vulnerable to risky behaviors, unhealthy relationships, and even exploitation, as they may seek a sense of security and validation from unreliable sources. 

A supportive circle of mentors, friends, and community members can be transformative. For young adults aging out of foster care, this network offers not only emotional support but also tangible resources and opportunities that lead to safer, more stable environments. By having a consistent support system, these young adults are better equipped to face challenges, avoid pitfalls, and make decisions that foster their independence and long-term well-being. This supportive circle increases the odds of successful outcomes, offering youth the stability they need to build a strong, resilient future. 

Increased Risk of Trafficking 

A supportive circle also serves as a critical line of defense against issues like trafficking, which is tragically common among youth exiting the foster care system. Traffickers often exploit the vulnerabilities of young people without stable housing, support systems, or resources, targeting them with promises of shelter, money, or affection. An estimated 25% of foster care youth are at risk of trafficking according to a University of Texas study. The National Foster Youth Institute also estimates that up to 60% of child sex trafficking survivors have had involvement with the foster care system. A mentor and/or support system could offer a lifeline, providing guidance and protection from predators who target vulnerable youth.  

Strengthening support systems is key to preventing exploitation. By providing safe housing options, mentorship, job training, and resources that foster youth can access well into young adulthood, communities can help build resilience and create a strong defense against trafficking. Additionally, educating foster youth on the risks of trafficking and equipping them with resources they can rely on are vital steps in safeguarding them from those who would take advantage of their vulnerabilities. 

Creating Opportunities and Community Support 

Beyond individual mentorship, broader structural changes are essential. Community centers and affordable housing options play a vital role in offering resources that foster youth can lean on. These spaces provide access to job training, mental health services, financial literacy workshops, and legal aid. Additionally, social support systems—friendships, safe spaces for self-expression, and culturally competent counseling—help ease the transition to adulthood and prevent isolation. 

Investing in employment initiatives specifically geared toward youth aging out of foster care could also be transformative. Many employers are open to creating roles that offer flexible hours or apprenticeships, helping youth gain critical work experience while providing income stability. 

Shifting Perspectives and Policies 

To effectively tackle homelessness among former foster youth, we need a cultural shift in how we understand and address their experiences. The narrative should move away from framing these youth as troubled and instead highlight the systemic factors that make their transition difficult. Additionally, we can advocate for legislative reforms that support these young adults more comprehensively.  

Breaking the cycle of homelessness among foster youth is possible, but it requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes mentorship, community support, affordable housing, and legislative advocacy. By being informed, involved, and supportive, we can help build a future where youth aging out of foster care have not only a place to call home but also the support and opportunities they need to thrive. 

Local Resources 

In Texas, the foster care system faces significant challenges, with approximately 9,000 children in permanent state custody due to factors such as the loss of caregivers, abuse at home, or health needs that parents alone can’t meet. In Austin, approximately 1,000 children are in foster care, and nearly 100 young adults age out each year. The high cost of living and limited affordable housing in Austin exacerbate the difficulties faced by youth aging out of foster care. These youth often encounter difficulties such as homelessness; by age 24, almost 40% have experienced homelessness, and 50% have engaged in “couch surfing” since leaving care. Racial disparities are also evident; in Travis County, Black children are disproportionately represented in the system, being 11.3 times more likely to be removed from their homes than white children.  

To address these issues, there are several local Texas and Austin organizations like SAFE, LifeWorks and The Texas Foster Youth Justice Project and more that offer housing, life skills development, mentorship, education assistance, and mental health support to help youth transition successfully out of foster care.   

SAFE offers several programs that may serve as valuable resources for youth aging out of the foster care system, providing support as they navigate their transition into adulthood.  

Our Supervised Independent Living (SIL) program provides safe, affordable housing and support services for young adults as they learn to live independently, gaining essential skills in a structured, supportive environment. SAFE CARES addresses the unique needs of youth who have experienced exploitation, providing specialized resources and a pathway to healing. Additionally, SAFE’s Counseling services offer trauma-informed mental health support, helping youth process past experiences and build resilience for the future. Together, these programs at SAFE aim to empower vulnerable youth, offering safety, guidance, and the skills they need to thrive. 

If you or someone you know is in need of any of these services, SAFE is available for support and safety planning. SAFEline is a 24-hour confidential hotline for people seeking help with child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, and sex trafficking and is available by phone at 512.267.SAFE (7233), by text at 737.888.7233, or by chat at www.safeaustin.org/chat. 

 

Lifeworks 

Caritas 

CASA 

Texas Network of Youth Services 

Austin Angels 

Partnerships for Children – Kids in a New Grove 

The Texas Foster Youth Justice Project

Related: Homelessness Among Abuse Survivors: A Deepening Crisis