The Imprint’s recent article, “A Deep Dive on New Federal Foster Care Data,” analyzes the latest figures from the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS), highlighting several concerning trends in the U.S. foster care system as of 2023.
Key Findings:
- Decline in Reunifications: For the first time since 2017, the percentage of children exiting foster care to reunification has dropped below 50%, now standing at 44%. This indicates a continued downward trend in children returning to their families.
- Decrease in Adoption Goals: The number of children with a stated goal of adoption decreased by 23%, from 101,401 in 2022 to 77,809 in 2023. Additionally, the number of children who are “legally free” for adoption dropped by 29% to 28,459.
- Shift Toward Kinship Placements: With declines in both reunifications and adoptions, there is an anticipated increase in exits to guardianship and other kinship-based placements.
- Reduction in Youth Aging Out: In 2023, 8% of youth exited the system through emancipation, commonly referred to as “aging out,” totaling 15,590 individuals. This is a decrease from previous years, where numbers often exceeded 20,000.
These trends suggest a shift in the foster care landscape, with fewer children being reunified with their families or adopted, and a potential increase in kinship placements. The data also points to a need for continued efforts to reduce the time children spend in care and to support their transition to permanent homes.
