Why Direct Paths

250,000 CHILDREN ARE PLACED INTO THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM IN THE UNITED STATES ANNUALLY.

THIS YEAR 5,000 FOSTER YOUTH WILL BE INSTANTLY HOMELESS ON THEIR 18th BIRTHDAY.

25,000 CHILDREN “AGE OUT” OF THE U.S. FOSTER CARE SYSTEM EVERY YEAR.

Why It Matters

Nearly 65% of youth leave foster care at age 18 with no place to call home. Without housing or connection to family and community, youth are less likely to finish high school and go to college, find employment and access healthcare.

This jeopardizes their ability to take control of their futures and become contributing members of the community. They’re also more likely to have children before they are ready, putting them at risk of perpetuating the cycle of foster care.