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
Ambition
LifeSetTM Scholar participant, Kauna, shares her story of how this Youth Villages program impacted her life.
Stories of Hope
Helping children and families live successfully
Charlotte Community Connections Podcast
Mental health is often seen as a personal struggle, —but what if healing could happen in living rooms, libraries and community spaces, not just clinics?
My voice, my journey
No child dreams of being in foster care. A loving, stable family is the standard we all hope for. But not every child is born into ideal circumstances.
Beyond the screen: 8 ways to monitor your child using AI for mental health
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about this epidemic affecting our communities. According to a 2023 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, suicide became the second-leading cause of death in the United States for teens and young adults ages 10-34
Backpack Heroes helps 1,300 youth across New England start school prepared
For many families served by Youth Villages, the back-to-school season brings more worry than joy: Do I pay rent or buy school supplies? Fill the gas tank or purchase a new backpack? For caregivers already stretched thin, the growing list of school supplies can feel overwhelming.
ChatGPT is not a substitute for therapy, especially for kids
In an era where technology is at our fingertips 24/7, it’s no surprise that many people are turning to artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT for advice and emotional support.
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.
