Mapped: Where Foster Care Moves Are Increasing Most Across the U.S.

Overview of Foster Care Placement Instability: Between 2020 and 2024, experiencing three or more moves during a child's first year in foster care became increasingly common across most U.S. states. Each move requires packing up and starting over in an unfamiliar home, causing a loss of stability and a painful transition.

Impact on Children: Frequent placement changes strip away a child's dignity, particularly when they are forced to carry their belongings in a trash bag. Providing proper luggage for every move helps protect their dignity during these transitions and one less traumatic experience.

State Trends (Changes per 100 Children with 3+ Placements):

Largest Increases: States like New Hampshire, West Virginia, Delaware, South Dakota, and Georgia experienced some of the highest increases in frequent moves from 2020 to 2024. For instance, a +10 change indicates that 10 more children out of every 100 experienced three or more placements in 2024 compared to 2020.
Largest Decreases: Conversely, areas like Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, and Washington saw decreases in the share of children undergoing frequent placement changes.

Source Data: Statistics are derived from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Child Welfare Outcomes (AFCARS Foster Care Files) for 2020 and 2024.