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
“LifeSet changed everything for me.”
There was a time when Sidney couldn’t imagine what her future would look like. Now, at 19, she’s building one on her own terms, with strength she never knew she had.
From foster care to advocacy: Nykeya’s journey to healing and hope
Youth involved in the child welfare system disproportionately face mental health challenges compared to those living with their parents. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 80% of youth in foster care experience a mental health challenge.
Sofia’s story: Parenting a parent, breaking the cycle
At 16, Sofia entered foster care as a new mother with nowhere else to go. Her own home hadn’t been a safe or supportive environment, kicking her out when she got pregnant. With no guardian to return to after giving birth, she found herself in foster care, raising a baby in an unfamiliar home.
Foster youth celebrate educational milestones at special graduation ceremony
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — Approximately 70 foster youth in Middle Tennessee celebrated educational achievements ranging from high school equivalency to college degrees at a special event in Franklin.
Arizona budget ensures aid for foster children who are aging out
Arizona’s new budget maintains funding for a vital program supporting foster children after they age out of the system.
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.