The Longer in Foster Care, the More Likely a Child Remains in Foster Care

Longer foster care stays increase the risk of continued placement. According to a recently released national survey from the Administration for Children and Families, after children spend 12 to 18 continuous months in foster care, their chances of leaving foster care decrease rapidly. Once children spend 36 to 42 continuous months in foster care, their chances of leaving foster care are extremely low.

National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being No. 19: Risk of Long-Term Foster Care Placement Among Children Involved with the Child Welfare System