Yes. Arizona allows teens to sign a voluntary agreement allowing them to stay in foster care until they are 21.  In 2016, 936 youth exited out of of foster care due to “age of majority”. What was surprising to me was that approximately 60% of young adults chose to stay in foster care and participate in voluntary-after-age 18 care for 2 months or longer.

 

Youths aging out of foster care and the lack of good community connection to these youths are problems that continue to be discussed in the world of foster care today.

 

You can find out more information about aging out from this recent story:

https://cronkitenews.azpbs.org/2017/04/28/in-focus-episode-7-aging-out-of-foster-care-in-arizona/

 

Thank you for your great question! If you have questions, send them to #youaskedfa or Kim@fosteraz.com