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
In the News: From Foster Care to the Ivy League
Ten years ago, I was sitting in a juvenile detention cell in East Tennessee, alone, wondering if I would get home in time to start high school.
Keeping children safe on social media
In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory titled “Social Media and Mental Health,” which outlined the risks of social media use among children and adolescents.
5 tips for parents’ well-being to start, transition into new school year
It’s back to school for many children across the country, and most of the time leading up to the return to the classroom will be spent on getting physically prepared.
Backpack Heroes make the News!
Youth Villages offices across the nation have been busy collecting school supplies and making the news for our annual Backpack Heroes campaign!
Middle Tennessee Young adults in LifeSet Celebrate Graduation
Over 70 young adults with experience in the foster care system in Middle Tennessee gathered to celebrate graduations ranging from HiSET (high school equivalency) to master’s degrees.
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.