Children & Youth in Foster Care
Approximately 13,000–15,000 children and youth are currently involved in Pennsylvania’s foster care system at any given time.
Nationally, more than 390,000 children and youth are in foster care each year.
Children enter foster care for many reasons, including abuse, neglect, family crisis, or the need for temporary safety and stability.
Youth Aging Out of Care
Each year, approximately 1,100 Pennsylvania youth “age out” of foster care without achieving permanency through reunification, adoption, or guardianship.
Many young adults leaving foster care face significant challenges, including:
- homelessness
- unemployment
- lack of family or community support
- mental health struggles
- limited educational opportunities
Studies continue to show that youth transitioning out of foster care are at a greater risk for housing instability, financial hardship, and isolation without strong support systems in place.
The Importance of Resource Families
Pennsylvania now uses the term “Resource Family” rather than “Foster Family.”
A Resource Family is:
“A family that provides temporary foster or kinship care for children who need out-of-home placement and may eventually provide permanency for those children, including an adoptive family.”
Resource families play a critical role in helping children heal, grow, maintain connections, and experience stability during difficult times.
How PSRFA Helps
The Pennsylvania State Resource Family Association (PSRFA) supports resource families across the Commonwealth through:
- training and education
- advocacy
- peer support
- family connections
- statewide collaboration
- scholarships and youth support initiatives
- conferences and community events
Together, we are building stronger supports for children, youth, and the families who care for them.