While some argue the California foster care system has made great strides in the past years, it is the youth in this system whose experiences remain seemingly unaffected by the improvements. Many of the state’s foster kids ultimately end up in jail or on the streets as foster homes may have provided them with places to live but not opportunities to heal after traumas they likely witnessed. Former foster youth now comprise the largest demographic of homeless, even surpassing that of veterans while also making up 60-70% of inmates at San Quentin. Former foster youth also face a staggering unemployment rate of 50%. To read more about the obstacles foster youth face despite the system’s improvements, click here.