BRIGHTER FUTURES

PURPOSE

The Brighter Futures Program supports older youth transitioning out of foster care by providing them with the resources, guidance, and skills needed to achieve independence, stability, and long-term success.

ELIGIBILITY

Youth must meet the following qualifications:

Between the ages of 16-21
Be in a placement in Chatham, Bulloch, Bryan, or Effingham counties OR be a Chatham County youth placed in any county.
If they are not currently in foster care, they must have been in foster care for at least 6 months after the age of 16 years old.

While you may submit the referral form without the child's permission, the youth must agree to enter the Brighter Futures program before services will be provided.

SUBMIT A REFERRAL

BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURES

The Brighter Futures Program is crucial because it addresses the significant challenges faced by youth aging out of foster care, a population at high risk for poor outcomes without adequate support. Every year, around 23,000 youth age out of the foster care system in the U.S., and many of them struggle with the transition to independence due to a lack of resources, guidance, and stability. Without programs like Brighter Futures, these young people are often left to navigate adulthood alone, which can lead to devastating consequences.

Statistics reveal the urgent need for this type of support:

Only 58% of foster youth graduate from high school by age 19, compared to 87% of their peers.
Less than 3% of former foster youth obtain a college degree by age 25.
Approximately 46% of youth aging out of foster care are unemployed by age 26.
Up to 20% of these young adults become instantly homeless after aging out.

The absence of stable housing, education, and employment opportunities puts them at a higher risk for mental health challenges, substance abuse, and involvement in the criminal justice system. For every youth who ages out of foster care, it is estimated that communities bear an average cost of $300,000 over their lifetime due to public assistance, incarceration, and lost wages.