Foster Care
Freddy and Jaxon
Foster Care
Key Metric
Foster Care Kids in Mecklenburg and Union County
659
Helping kids in foster care get the relational support they need can dramatically diminish negative adult outcomes
Children in the foster care system already face many challenges. When the community decides to step up and support children in foster care and care for the caseworkers and families that serve these children there can be real change in outcomes for many kids. Nearly half of the children in the foster care system are living with a foster family. Many live with a parent or a relative and some are in group care or medical facilities. Children in foster care range in age from birth to over 18 years old and often deal with multiple case workers throughout their time in foster care. The outcomes for children who age out of foster care are often bleak. About half of the kids aging out of foster care will have a substance abuse problem, roughly 60% of young men end up incarcerated and about 70% of young women will get pregnant before age 21. However, when these children are well supported, the community around them can significantly alter those outcomes.
By The Numbers
Helpful insight into some of the factors that affect the key metric and have an impact on this reality. Select an area on the map to view neighborhood-level stats.
Age Breakdown of Foster Kids
35%
28%
25%
12%
0-3 Years
6-12 Years
13-17 Years
18+ Years
Where Foster Kids are Living
48% (48)
34% (34)
10% (10)
8% (8)
Current Time Spent in Care (Months)
Kids aging out this year
54
Kids aging out of care in 2023 | Mecklenburg County - 47 | Union County - 7
Stories and Local Context
Listen to and learn from the stories of people, churches and/or organizations experiencing or engaging this reality first hand.
Scripture Reflection
Scriptures we’ve collected to help you consider this reality through the lens of Christianity.
Proverbs 31:8-9
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up & judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor & needy.
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
James 1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Prayer Topics
Suggestions to help you connect this reality to your prayers.
Get Involved
Links to Books, Resources, Organizations and/or Opportunities that are engaging this topic well.
We are imagining a city where every kid in foster care has the support they need to thrive. Where every kid is seen, known and loved.
This is a list of immediate needs of children, families, and young adults in the child welfare system. This is your opportunity to get involved in a child’s life: NOW!