Key Issues and Policy Recommendations for Supporting Youth Formerly in Foster Care

While roughly 80 percent of former foster youth report having interest in higher education, only 3 percent go on to earn a four-year degree. Youth Formerly in Foster Care (YFFC) often encounter significant barriers that result in low degree attainment rates, including financial insecurity and lack of awareness about available support resources. The brief provides comprehensive insights and recommendations to enhance support systems for these students. By implementing these solutions, institutions and policymakers can create more equitable pathways for former foster youth to succeed academically and transition into stable, self-sufficient lives.