Strategic Areas of Focus

The Foster Care Work Group

The Foster Care Work Group is one of the three work groups of the Youth Transitions Funders Group. To improve the likelihood that vulnerable youth between the ages of 14 and 24 will become “Connected by 25,” the Foster Care Work Group (FCWG) urges new investments to prepare foster youth and those leaving foster care for the future, as well as investments to meet their present needs while they are in the custody of the state. The foundation executives who participate in the Foster Care Work Group recognize and embrace ongoing efforts to strengthen and reform the child welfare system. They also recognize that helping foster youth and those aging out of foster care become successful adults requires that they have a community-wide network of connections and support that can provide pathways to lifelong economic well-being and financial success.

Accordingly, the Foster Care Work Group has concentrated its attention and energies on exploring new ways to help foster youth and young adults leaving care complete their educations, find jobs that will lead to lifetime careers, develop effective financial management skills, learn how to save and accumulate material assets, and take advantage of opportunities to pursue their own business ventures. Based on past research and program experience, as well as their own engagement of funders and professionals who work with foster youth, members of the Foster Care Work Group believe strongly that a focus on economic success can have significant rewards for these vulnerable young people.

Click here to access webpages for the Foster Care Work Group.