Invest in Helping Foster Kids As They Age Out of The Foster-Care System, Enter Adulthood

Lawmakers in Oregon have the opportunity to make a wise decision to invest in youth leaving the foster care system by passing SB 745.

The advocacy for this bill is being led by Oregon Foster Youth Connection (OFYC), which empowers youth in foster care to share their voices so they can be heard in key decisions impacting their lives.

Annually in Oregon, nearly 80% of older youth "age out" of the foster care system. This is well above the national average of 56%. This means they leave the system on their own; they are not returned home to parents or connected with family through adoption or guardianship.