Comparing options, answered plainly
What's the difference between foster care and a supported home?
Family-based vs congregate care — and where youth aging out fit.
Comparing options, answered plainly
Family-based vs congregate care — and where youth aging out fit.
Foster care is a family setting — a licensed foster parent caring for a child in their home. A supported home is congregate care — several residents living together with staff. Child-welfare policy generally prefers family settings, using group/residential care when a child needs more structured support.
Source: HHS Administration for Children & Families, Children’s Bureau — acf.hhs.gov/cb.
When a young person ages out of foster care (usually 18, up to 21 in states with extended foster care), state custody ends. Extended foster care, Chafee independent-living services, transitional living programs, and supported housing help bridge to independence. See housing for youth aging out of foster care.
For a young adult who has aged out and needs structure, a small supported-living home can be a stable next step. Mai Heaven is building this option; join our waitlist to hear when a home opens near you. In a crisis, call or text 988.
We build small, permanent supported homes where the need is greatest. Add your email and we’ll tell you the moment a home opens in your state. Free, no spam, no obligation. Case managers can also refer someone and track it with no login.