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
Hometown Hero: University of Minnesota alumni transforming lives in Oregon
Minnesota native Noah Gerber is changing the narrative for foster youth in the Portland Metro area. He was raised in St. Paul and pursued a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology
Natalie finds her superpower
Natalie, a LifeSet Scholar, wears many hats: a first-generation college student, academic advisor, a mentor for other foster youth, and most importantly, a role model and advocate for her 14-year-old sister.
Solutions to keeping Oregon foster children in stable homes
With a recent federal class action lawsuit settled over the safety of children in Oregon’s foster care system, one of the issues addressed is the quality and number of foster care placements a child experiences.
Intercept helps Victoria identify, work through her feelings
In 2023, Theresa began seeking support for her 8-year-old granddaughter, Victoria. Her family was under a lot of stress from financial hardship, physical health problems and emotional and behavioral aggression from Victoria. She knew they needed additional support, but wanted to make sure she and her husband remained the primary caregivers for Victoria.
LifeSet helps James overcome obstacles and achieve his goals
Youth who age out of foster care often face significant challenges when transitioning to adulthood. They can be at risk for homelessness, unemployment, unstable housing, involvement with the criminal justice system, mental health issues and difficulty accessing education or stable employment.
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.
