The National Convenings on Youth Permanence are challenging the long-standing paradigm that youth in foster care are unlikely to develop strong family connections before reaching the age of majority. The National Convenings on Youth Permanence began in 2002 as a grassroots effort.

• Youth ages 14 to 16 are the second largest group entering foster care, after children under age 5.
• Youth ages 14 and older represent one-quarter of all those entering foster care.
• Youth older than age 11 comprise close to one-half of those who remain in foster care.
• More than 31,000 teens “aged out” of foster care, many without the emotional and material support of family.
• Of youth who aged out of foster care, 80 percent had entered care at age 10 or older; 50 percent had entered foster care at age 15 or older.
• Youth of color (African American, Hispanic, and American Indian) are overrepresented in the foster care population, and more often exit without a permanent family than their white peers.

In response, the National Convenings — hosted by the Annie E. Casey Foundation/Casey Family Services and Casey Family Programs — advance practice and policy to achieve and sustain permanence for older children and youth in foster care.

Together, we are showing that permanence for youth is powerful, possible, and a priority.

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