US: New Data Shows a Consistent Decrease of Children in Foster Care (Includes audio) (Press release)

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families – March 20, 2024

Today, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announced newly released Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) data. According to the report, the number of children in foster care has decreased for the fourth consecutive year. The collective effort to find ways to serve children and families outside of foster care continues to grow. The Family First Prevention Services Act helped change the conversation to be about prevention of foster care placements and preservation of families. The growing number of states and tribal nations with approved plans – which includes 42 states, 4 tribes, and the District of Columbia – is anticipated to maintain the decline in the use of foster care and subsequently the decrease in entries.

Also: Federal Report: Foster Care Total Dropped Again in 2022 (Requires subscription): https://imprintnews.org/youth-services-insider/federal-report-foster-care-total-dropped-again-in-2022/248238

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/media/press/2024/new-data-shows-consistent-decrease-children-foster-care