To successfully transition out of the foster care system, youth need safe, stable, and affordable housing. Such housing is vital to the ability of older youth in care to maintain steady employment, access health care, pursue higher education, and, in some instances, care for their children. 

Child welfare leaders and program developers can consider various housing options for foster youth preparing to exit the system. These options generally fall within three broad categories: emergency, transitional, and permanent housing and services. When selecting houging arrangements, case managers should work in partnership with the young people and take into account his or her individual needs and readiness to live independently.

Child welfare leaders can pursue five financing strategies to provide housing supports for youth exiting foster care:

1. Access federal housing resources
2. Tap child welfare resources
3. Access community development resources
4. Create public-private partnerships
5. Improve coordination across systems

Click on the link below to see the full strategies. 

Links

• Financing Housing Supports for Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care