Mission: Protect the Vulnerable, Promote Strong and Economically Self- Sufficient Families, and Advance Personal and Family Recovery and Resiliency. Charlie Crist, Governor George H. Sheldon, Secretary Trends in Age of Children in Out-of-Home Care Leadership Briefing November 1, 2010

2 Have Age Demographics of Children in Out-of-Home Care Changed? Children in Out-of-Home Care are increasingly infants & older teens –The number of children in each age group have decreased over the last 6 years –But decreases in Out-of-Home Care have been smaller for the youngest and oldest children Florida’s trends are similar to national trends Florida’s trend is largely due to changes in who enters care (removals)

3 Children in Out-of-Home Care are Increasingly Infants & Older Teens

4 Decreases in Out-of-Home Care Have Been Smaller for Youngest and Oldest Children

5 Florida’s Trends are Similar to…

6 National Trends: (Percent of Foster Care Children Ages 0-2, also Increased Nationally Since 2005)

7 This Trend is Largely Due to Changes In Who Enters Care

8 Over the Last 6 Years Florida had Greater Success Reducing Removals for Children in the Middle Age Ranges