A friend of mine once took a job working for the state. It was temporary, the kind of role that comes and goes, but it left a lasting impression. He worked under the IT Department, tasked with designing a better, easier-to-use system for social workers to track their cases. This was a long time ago—back when technology was just beginning to reshape daily life but still had its limits.

The urgency was clear: social workers were overwhelmed, especially in larger cities. They struggled to keep track of the children in their care, particularly those who had “aged out” of the system and slipped away as runaways. My friend told me how sobering it was to see that the numbers on a screen weren’t just data—they were real people, real kids, and too often their options were painfully limited. Funding might be there for children, but once those children turned seventeen or eighteen, the support narrowed. The safety net thinned.

Technology has improved since then. The systems are better, the networks broader and more connected. But one truth hasn’t changed: children who age out of foster care remain at risk, and many still need guidance, shelter, and community well beyond their teenage years.

As an author, I believe my work isn’t only about telling stories—it’s also about helping shine a light on the social issues that shape those stories. Awareness matters, and so does recognition. In that spirit, here are some of the organizations across America doing vital work for youth who are transitioning out of care:

Organizations Making a Difference

 Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)
– Oldest national child welfare org
– Works with agencies, advocates, and policymakers to improve foster care systems
Casey Family Programs
– Major foundation focused on reducing the need for foster care
– Provides funding, research, and policy advocacy
National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI)
– Based in D.C.
– Elevates foster youth voices in Congress and national policy discussions
FosterClub
– National network by and for foster youth
– Offers peer-led resources, leadership training, and advocacy opportunities
First Place for Youth
– Started in California, expanding nationwide
– Provides housing, job readiness, and education support for youth aging out
Covenant House International
– Operates shelters and transitional housing across the U.S.
– Serves youth experiencing homelessness (many from foster care)
Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative (Annie E. Casey Foundation)
– Focused on financial literacy, leadership, and adult connections
– Helps young people transition to adulthood successfully
National CASA/GAL Association for Children
– Nationwide volunteer advocacy network for children in foster care
– Many programs provide mentorship for older youth transitioning out