What We’re Showing
This map shows the number of children and young people in foster care in each U.S. state and Washington, D.C., based on federal AFCARS data.
Key Takeaways
- California has the largest foster care population at 36,212 children, followed by Texas at 17,520 and Illinois at 16,610. Delaware has the smallest at 469.
- Foster care includes infants, children, teenagers, and some young adults. Children enter care when they cannot safely remain at home, often because of neglect, abuse, parental substance use, domestic violence, or another serious family crisis.
- The numbers vary widely by state, but each one represents a child experiencing separation, uncertainty, and change. During removals and placement moves, some children are still forced to carry their belongings in trash bags when proper luggage is unavailable.
