In 2015, what was the primary outcome for children exiting foster care?

In 2015, the primary outcome for children exiting foster care was that most returned to their biological families. This outcome aligns with the primary goal of the child welfare system, which aims to reunify children with their families whenever it is safe and feasible to do so. The emphasis on family reunification is rooted in the belief that children fare better in their own family environments when appropriate, rather than being placed for adoption or in institutional settings.

Adoption is certainly an important outcome for some children in foster care, particularly those who have been unable to return to their biological families due to circumstances like abuse or neglect. However, it is not the predominant pathway for all children exiting the system. Many children are successfully reunited with their parents after receiving the necessary support services, which is often seen as a more favorable outcome when conditions permit.

The other outcomes, such as aging out of the system or entering group homes, do occur but are less common compared to reunification with biological families. The focus remains on safely maintaining the family unit when possible, supplemented by support services aimed at addressing the issues that led to the initial removal from the home.