NPR data shows disabled foster youth stay 50% longer, face worse outcomes

October 3, 2026 at 02:00 PM2 min

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An NPR investigation found children with disabilities are the largest group entering U.S. foster care and stay 50% longer than non-disabled peers. Federal data on over 500,000 foster youth in 2025 show they are less likely to return home or be adopted. Former foster youth describe repeated moves between locked residential facilities that worsened their behavior.

Key Facts

About 10% of disabled children in foster care live in group homes or institutions, compared to 4% of non-disabled foster children.
NPR obtained federal data on more than 500,000 children and youth in foster care in 2025.
Disabled children stay in foster care 50% longer than children without disabilities.
Tyrome Laundersville entered a psychiatric residential treatment center at age 9 and was moved between facilities until age 18.

The Data

An NPR investigation found children with disabilities, including physical and behavioral health disabilities, are the largest group that goes into foster care. About 10% of disabled kids in foster care live in group homes and institutions, compared to just 4% of those without disabilities. NPR obtained federal data on more than 500,000 children and youth in foster care in 2025. The analysis calculated that disabled children stay in foster care 50% longer than kids without disabilities. They are less likely to return to their parents or to be adopted.

Tyrome Laundersville's Experience

Tyrome Laundersville was 9 years old when his parents drove him from their Iowa home to a psychiatric residential treatment center. He was initially excited, thinking the trip was for fun, but he remained in facilities from age 9 until he was 18. Laundersville received diagnoses including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, and Oppositional Defiance Disorder. He said locked-down residential treatment centers, some requiring permission to use the bathroom, worsened his problematic behaviors. In a 2024 speech to child advocates and researchers, Laundersville said he missed his parents and felt abandoned when they did not fight for him.