The Challenge
For many children, the path to adulthood is rough. Right now, more than 435,000 children are growing up in foster homes; 120,000 have been permanently separated from their parents and are waiting for adoption; 20,000 will turn 18 and “age out” without family support. We have a responsibility to do better. Preserving and strengthening families can allow children to grow up safely in their own homes without the trauma of family separation, and effective services can be the bridge to adulthood for young people who leave foster care alone.
Our Approach
Decades of experience and research have taught us this: a family does a better job of raising a child than the state. We provide and advocate for innovative, evidence-based, family-focused services designed to bring help and hope to children and their families, as well as proven services for young adults turning 18 in foster care.
1 in 20
children and youth in the U.S. are in state foster care systems
120,000+
are waiting for a new family through adoption
Our Impact
We’re changing the lives of thousands of children, families and young people every year through our direct services and partnerships with organizations and agencies around the country. Our work is to transform children’s systems, deepen our impact and deliver better results one child and one family at a time.
States
Locations
%
success rate


- Youth Villages States
- Partnering States
Ambition
LifeSetTM Scholar participant, Kauna, shares her story of how this Youth Villages program impacted her life.
Stories of Hope
Helping children and families live successfully
7 Things Elementary-Age Kids Worry About the Most, According to a Child Psychologist
Like adults, children naturally worry. Our Director of Specialized Services in New England, Jacque Cutillo, Ph.D., LLP, LPC, LMHC, spoke to Parade.com about what elementary-age kids worry about the most.
LifeSet gives Sharon Michelle a purpose to live
The teenage years are a tough time for most young people to handle. In her younger teens, Sharon Michelle faced more uphill climbs than many her age. She lived in three different homes, exposed to substance use and required to follow strict rules. She was never allowed to make friends, attend after-school activities and get a job, all the things her peers enjoyed.
From supportive parents to passionate donors: The Candler family’s journey
When their daughter, Jordan, began her career at Youth Villages, Kathy and Chuck Candler saw firsthand the impact of our work and the care we show our team.
Finding her thread: Nicky gains independence and financial stability
Unlike their peers, many young people who have foster care often lack basic financial literacy skills. While some of these skills are taught in school or other programs, many former foster youth missed out on learning skills such as budgeting, opening bank accounts or filing taxes.
2025 Red Kite Nite
On May 1, the Youth Villages community gathered in Boston for Red Kite Nite, the annual gala supporting the LifeSet program. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, this year’s event raised more than $850,000, helping bring LifeSet to every young adult who needs it.
MAKE A CAREER OUT OF CHANGING LIVES
Do you share our passion for helping children and families live successfully? We’ve got a place for you.