By law, States must provide a youth with a list of their rights relating to education, health, visitation, court participation, safety, and access to vital documents.

(applies to youth age 14+)

 

Why it matters

Youth in foster care have rights that protect their safety, well-being, and future. These rights ensure access to education, healthcare, and family connections while preventing discrimination and harm. 

Knowing and using these rights helps youth advocate for themselves and make informed decisions. Without strong protections, young people can face unfair treatment, barriers to success, and a lack of support. 

Understanding these rights is key to creating a safer, more stable foster care experience and ensuring every young person has the chance to thrive.
 

Quick Facts

  • Foster youth rights are governed by a series of federal and state laws, with significant legislations like the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 and the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008.
     
  • Preventing Sex Trafficking & Strengthening Families Act (PL 183-113) requires states to provide youth in care  a copy of their rights, once they are 14 years of age or older.
     

  • PL 1183-113 requires that youth must sign a document saying they have received these rights and it's been explained to them in a way they can understand. 

     

  • Many states have Foster Youth Bills of Rights created through law. Several states have also created agency policies listing youth rights. 
     

“Did I know my rights? No I did not. The only time I was informed of anything was when FosterClub came to my state back in 2016 — and that was the first time I was educated on any of this stuff.
 

— Anthony Angell, 23 yrs old, Oregon

 

Tools You Can Use

 

How We're Working on This Issue

Priorities on Supporting Youth Rights

The National Foster Care Youth & Alumni Policy Council, made up of young people with lived experience in foster care, shares priorities and recommendations with federal policymakers to educate on the need for stronger rights and protections for youth in care.
 

Supported the Federal Foster Youth Bill of Rights Resolution

FosterClub championed Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver III (D-MO-05) and Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE-02) introduced a bipartisan resolution on rights for foster youth. The resolution outlines 10 key areas of foster youth rights.

LEx Leaders Met with Federal Leadership

Lived Experience (LEx) Leaders previously met with federal child welfare officials to share firsthand perspectives and push for policies that better support youth in foster care.

 

“When I went to voice my concerns, I didn’t know how to voice them. ”
 

— Dequincy Bergen, age 25, spent 5  years in Montana and Texas foster care

 

Want to Learn More?

Beyond Placement: Fostering Lifelong Support & Belonging National Foster Care Youth & Alumni Policy Council 

Reducing Vulnerability of Foster Youth to Predators and Sex Trafficking, recommendations from the National Foster Care Youth & Alumni Policy Council. These recs informed the requirement that states provide a list of rights to all youth age 14+ in foster care

Blogs on Youth Rights in Foster Care