Youth Rights in Foster Care

By law, States must provide a youth with a list of their rights relating to education, health, visitation, court participation, and access to documents.

(applies to youth age 14+)

Why it matters

Foster youth rights and protections refer to the legal and ethical guidelines that ensure the well-being and safeguarding of youth in foster care. Originating from many policies and laws, such as the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997, these rights are designed to provide a stable and supportive environment for youth who have been removed from their birth families and placed into care. They cover a range of considerations, from educational and healthcare access to family reunification plans and freedom from discrimination.

Quick Facts

• Foster youth rights are governed by a series of federal and state laws, with significant legislations like the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 and the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008.
  

• Preventing Sex Trafficking & Strengthening Families Act (2014) ensured youth in care had the legal right to receive a copy of their rights, once they are 14 years of age or older.
  

• As of 2019, there are 15 states and 1 US Territory (Puerto Rico) with Youth Bills of Rights. Several states have also created a Policy of Rights.
  

• Foster youth usually "age out" of the system at 18, although some states offer extended foster care services up to age 21 to aid in the transition to adulthood.
  
  

“Did I know my rights? No I did not. The only time I was informed of anything was when FosterClub came to my state back in 2016 — and that was the first time I was educated on any of this stuff.

— Anthony Angell, 23 yrs old, Oregon

“When I went to voice my concerns, I didn’t know how to voice them. ”

— Dequincy Bergen, age 25, spent 5  years in Montana and Texas foster care