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
May Is National Foster Care Month
May is National Foster Care Awareness Month—a time to recognize the resilience of children and youth in the foster care system and the individuals who support them. At Youth Villages, we understand the unique challenges these young people face.
Jaylen overcomes challenges, inspires others on their road to adulthood through LifeSet
At 18 years old, Jaylen has already faced a steep climb in life compared to her peers. Without support, many young people find the path to adulthood incredibly difficult. But rather than letting obstacles overload her, Jaylen is using her experiences to build a better future and inspire others.
A place to call home: Jeremy and Patricia’s journey to reunification
Life challenges might cause a bump in the road for most families. But for others, trials can result in major upheavals in their lives. Jeremy and his grandmother, Patricia, faced the latter when they were involved in a life-changing situation — one that led to their living apart from one another.
Youth Villages Georgia expands in-home program to Douglas, Paulding and Rockdale Counties
ATLANTA (April 1, 2025) – Youth Villages, a national nonprofit leader in children’s mental and behavioral health services, today announced a pilot contract with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Disabilities to expand its evidenced-based Intercept program to Douglas, Paulding and Rockdale counties, bringing access to in-home prevention care to more Georgia families.
Meet Isaiah, LifeSet participant in Nashville
After his mom died when he was 14 years old, Isaiah and his brother entered the care of their grandmother. Sadly, their grandmother died soon after, leading them to be placed in the foster care 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.