Peer-reviewed article

Youth who remain in care: Exploring factors influencing participation in extended foster care.

Kim SQ, Leichtle AC, Rocha CC · 30 Jul 2026

Abstract

Background Young adults aging out of foster care face a higher risk for negative adult outcomes, including homelessness, substance abuse, mental health issues, lower levels of education and employment, and financial instability, all of which affect their transition to adulthood. Extended foster care provides ongoing support to these young adults, yet participation remains low. Objective This study explores associated factors, both demographic and foster care-related, of extended foster care participation. Participants and setting The study sample included 45,292 young adults in the United States who aged out of foster care between 2011 and 2020. Methods A secondary analysis of merged data from the National Youth in Transition and the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System databases from 2011 to 2024 was conducted. A multivariable binomial logistic regression analysis examined whether demographic or foster care factors, including total time in foster care, age at first removal, placement setting type, and removal reasons, were associated with participation in extended foster care. Results Results indicate that total time in foster care, placement setting at age 17, and rural-urban context are most strongly associated with participation. Race and ethnicity, prior adoption, and the removal reasons of relinquishment, neglect, caretaker's inability to cope, and a child's disability, also show significant associations, though with smaller effect sizes. Conclusions Implications for future research include the need for geographically focused studies that examine structural influences alongside individual factors and include the voices of those with lived experience.