22% of youth in foster care are 13 and older
The number one reason for a child being removed for their home, according to Americanspcc.org, is due to neglect. Of the 437,000 youth in the foster care system in America, 22% of them are 13 years old and older. Statistics show that the older youth are in foster care the chances of being adopted are decreased drastically.
1 in 3 American youth will go without a mentor in their lives
About 10% of youth who exit foster care “age out” or emancipate.
PLUS stands for Providing Lasting Unconditional Support. Safe Families PLUS was created to bridge the gap between support and opportunities! By supporting a youth who is transitioning out of foster care, you are actively reducing the chances of an emancipated foster youth falling into categories that are detrimental to their growth and wellbeing. Additionally, by supporting a youth on track to age out of foster care, you are given them one adult they can trust, turn to, and depend on to navigate adulthood.
Transparently, that's something we all need!
Youth who have mentors are more likely to volunteer, enroll in college, develop an interest in mentoring, and hold a position on leadership. Those without a mentor are more susceptible to face drug abuse, incarceration, and homelessness.
(Defined as reaching age 18 without achieving permanency, such as adoption or reunification with their biological families.)