Finding permanent homes for older youth in foster care can be challenging. These youth can face barriers to adoption, such as perceived behavioral issues or worries about attachment, and often transition to adulthood without permanent connections. This leaves them without the support networks necessary to navigate the challenges of adult life. Additionally, older youth without stable family connections face increased vulnerability to exploitation, as traffickers often target those experiencing isolation or unmet needs. 

Youth-specific recruitment strategies, which focus on each youth's unique needs, interests, and social connections, offer a proven pathway to permanency. These approaches not only increase the likelihood of adoption but also support youth in shaping their own futures. This Human Trafficking Awareness Month, learn how youth-specific recruitment connects youth with adoptive families and can help facilitate trusted, supportive relationships that reduce trafficking risks. 

Youth-specific strategies personalize the adoption process, helping youth feel seen and valued. Tools such as photo listings, permanency roundtables, and focused outreach have shown success in connecting youth with adoptive families: 

• Photo listings: Platforms like Wendy’s Wonderful Kids and the Northwest Adoption Exchange highlight the personalities and stories of older youth through engaging profiles—including in-depth profiles created in collaboration with youth. These profiles connect them with families drawn to their unique qualities and allow potential adoptive families to see the strengths and aspirations of youth, breaking down barriers created by stereotypes or assumptions.  

• Permanency roundtables: These collaborative meetings bring caseworkers, caregivers, community partners, and often the youth themselves to the table. Youth can share their hopes and concerns directly, allowing their voices to guide the process. By pooling expertise and resources, these roundtables create a comprehensive, tailored plan to identify and cultivate permanent connections. 

• Focused outreach: Recruitment efforts focused on youth-specific interests or cultural backgrounds build meaningful connections. For example, reaching out to communities, organizations, or individuals who share a youth’s background, heritage, or hobbies can foster shared understanding and trust. 

 Fran George, a fellow in the Minority Professional Leadership Development program, emphasizes the importance of youth-specific recruitment for older youth, particularly those from historically marginalized backgrounds. Her study found that providing case managers with specific training, coaching, and access to an online information-sharing space improved policy knowledge and reduced delays in matching youth with families. This demonstrates that strategic interventions support better outcomes for youth and equip professionals with the tools to succeed in their roles. 

 The work doesn’t stop with finding homes. Postadoption services—such as counseling, mentorship, and peer support networks—are essential for helping families and youth build strong, lasting bonds. These supports help permanency be a foundation for lifelong stability and success as well as a family placement.  

 Youth-specific recruitment offers a transformative approach to addressing the needs of older youth in foster care. By tailoring strategies to individual circumstances, involving youth in the decision-making process, and providing postadoption support, these efforts pave the way for lasting, positive outcomes. 

 Use these resources to learn more about child-specific recruitment for older youth: