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
Lasting Change
Former LifeSetTM participant, Mariah, shares her story of how this Youth Villages program impacted her life.
Stories of Hope
Helping children and families live successfully
Outdoor Recreational Therapy at Inner Harbour shifts Joshua’s outlook on life
“I arrived in handcuffs, and I was scared, but the first thing I heard when I arrived [at Inner Harbour] was you don’t have anything to worry about anymore.”
These are the words of Joshua, 18, who didn’t quite understand how to deal with his emotions and mental health. His journey with Youth Villages is a testament to the importance of understanding a child’s or young adult’s mental health.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the average age of juvenile offenders in Georgia is between 13 and 17 years old. Joshua fit into this statistic at 17 years old after being incarcerated. His journey of navigating depression and self-doubt led him to hanging with the wrong crowd and experimenting with marijuana. Joshua was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder and smoking triggered that disorder.
Breaking Generational Cycles Through Education and Mentorship
“I’m the first in my family to graduate high school and go to college, which is not something I always thought was possible. Loyal is the best word to describe my LifeSet specialist. It’s incredible how everyone seems to truly want to see us successful in life,” LifeSet participant, Jahlin, shares their story.
Intercept transforms family’s trajectory, keeps them together
Teenagers can create challenging moments for many parents. Those trying moments can be even greater for a single parent who loves and provides for their children but is stretched by work and other demands.
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.