Did you know?

On any given day, there are approximately 200 youth in foster care age 16 or 17 in New Mexico likely to"age-out" and lose the supports it provides.

Studies of former foster youth have revealed that:

• They are twice as likely to have dropped out of school.
• Almost half did NOT have a high school diploma by age 19, compared to only 13% of the general population.
• 1 in 4 report experiencing homelessness for at least one night. More than 1 in 3 reported having no place to live at times.
• Up to four years after leaving state care, less than half had secured a job.
• Girls are 2.5 times more likely to have been pregnant by age 19.
• 1 in 4 have attempted suicide.
• 1 in 3 boys experienced incarceration by age 19.
• 1 in 4 were coping with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after leaving foster care. That's over 6 times the rate among the general population.

For more information on any of the studies please reference Casey Family Programs:
�Improving Outcomes for Older Youth in Foster Care�

You can make a difference!

Building Futures & Foundations is an innovative program in which committed and well-trained community volunteers are matched with youth between the ages of 16 and 21 who have or will be exiting the foster care system in a long term one-on-one relationship. The mentors provide guidance, advice, and support particularly focusing on the areas of housing, education and employment to improve long term outcomes and promote lasting connections.

A project of:

Funded in part by: