National studies have shown that more than 50% of former foster youth do not have the necessary life skills to be self-sufficient upon aging out of the foster care system. Many newly aged-out foster youth ended up becoming unemployed and homeless.

Child welfare professionals such as child welfare workers, group home providers, foster parents, and other foster youth providers can play an important role in helping aging out foster youth prepare for adulthood and the labor market.

By working together to offer foster youth employment skills, a path toward higher education, and connections to community, we can increase the number of newly aged-out foster youth being prepared for the labor-market and independent living.

To refer a youth, please complete a HOPE referral form (click the Forms tab below), and fax it to 261-4100.  To find out how you can help, please call 510-261-4102, x14.