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
Lasting Change
Former LifeSetTM participant, Mariah, shares her story of how this Youth Villages program impacted her life.
Stories of Hope
Helping children and families live successfully

Youth Villages Spring Celebration Raises $1.1 Million
The Force was strong at the Youth Villages Spring Celebration Gala on May 4 where the organization raised $1.1 million to support the LifeSet program.

Intercept specialists bring creativity to clinical methods
When working with children experiencing behavioral and mental health challenges, a little creativity goes a long way. And for Intercept specialist Noah Galiffi-Caster, making a connection with the young people he works with is often a key to success.

A look into what it’s like to be a foster parent during Foster Care Awareness month
Brian and Michelle Armstrong already had an interest in becoming a foster home, but their desire was piqued when Brian reached out to do a Youth Villages story on Adoption Awareness Month in November 2021

BottRadio – National Foster Care Awareness Month
May is National Foster Care Awareness Month, and Youth Villages was invited to go on BottRadio…

‘Children just need parents’ Morristown couple hoping to inspire more foster parents
Tim and Mary Molamphy have served as foster caregivers for nearly 30 years. Over that time, they have been on a journey…

5 ways to teach your teens healthy boundaries
It is important for teens to create and advocate for their own boundaries. By defining key personal preferences on communication and space

LifeSet helps Niziere earn high school diploma, gain confidence
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the LifeSet program.” When the Covid pandemic disrupted our lives in early 2020, students bore the brunt of many challenges.

LifeSet Advocacy and Policy
Join Think of Us for a National Town Hall event to hear directly from Aysha E. Schomburg, Associate Commissioner of the Children’s Bureau & guests from CMS, HUD, and SAMHSA for a special discussion around interagency investments to ensure youth leave care with strengthened relationships, holistic supports, and opportunities.

LifeSet helps youth overcome educational barriers
The COVID-19 pandemic upended life for everyone — locked down, isolated, alone. The youth in the U.S. were especially affected with a major interruption in education. Coming out of the pandemic, results are showing a big impact on academic success.

Family gives back by opening home to foster care
Families who foster come in many shapes and sizes and enter foster care for different reasons. For George and Tracy Young, what began as a general interest in foster care turned into a way to become involved in their community.
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.