“Aging Out” Of Foster Care: A Survivor's Tale

DeSean Irby had the rug pulled from under him when he became of age.

When young people “age-out” of foster care, when they turn 21, they must learn to care for themselves, often with no familial or other support. While there are few statistics on young people who age out, and who are no longer under a city or state's care, it's estimated that one in four of the 20,000 foster care youth who age out of the welfare system each year nationally are in jail within two years. One in five become homeless, and only half graduate from high school. Each year more than 900 youth age out in New York City.

DeSean Irby is one young person who aged out, and is living on the streets. Here is his story.

[ALSO READ: Aging Up: Success and Flaws In U.S. Foster Care]

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