This factsheet provides the most recent national statistical estimates for children and youth in foster care from fiscal year (FY) 2019 and also provides earlier data from FY 2009 to allow for an estimate of trends over time. Data was obtained from the Federal Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS). AFCARS collects information on all children in foster care for whom state child welfare agencies have responsibility for placement, care, or supervision and on children who are adopted with public child welfare agency involvement.
Suggested Citation: Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2021). Foster care statistics 2019. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children’s Bureau.
This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information Gateway.