Research on homelessness and poverty found that 49% of youth who aged out of care in 2002 and 2003 were homeless at some point over the next three years. 43% of youth were high school dropouts with a median income of $598.33 per month. 37% percent had children of
their own. These findings dovetail with Courtney’s
findings that youth who “age out” of the child welfare system often struggle to stay in school, find stable housing, support themselves financially, and secure medical services. Between 1998 and 2004, the number of children nine or older waiting for adoption rose from
39% to 49%. African American children remain in care longer and are less likely to receive mental health services; they are more likely to be freed for adoption but less likely to be adopted.4 What social workers believe about youth is also important: Avery found that worker perception of the adoptability of children influenced recruitment efforts negatively.