As of June 1999, about 12,153 children were in state custody. Other possible placements may include youth development centers homes that are out of state, and homes of non-relatives who are not reimbursed. Of the 12,000 children in DFCS custody, about 500 are served in intensive, intermediate, or therapeutic settings because they need treatment for serious emotional problems. Some 36 percent are white, and 58 percent are African-American. The remaining 6 percent come from other ethnic backgrounds.
Some children stay in foster care throughout their teen years.
About 1,060 teens are served through the Independent Living program, a transition program that prepares teens ages 16-21 for independence and adulthood. Services include financial assistance for college and technical school, help in finding a job, and life skills such as housekeeping and budgeting. About 439 DFCS case managers statewide serve the foster care program. Foster parents are recruited primarily by county DFCS staff. They look for foster parents who are in good physical and mental health, with homes that meet the minimum standards set forth and approved by the Department of Human Resources.