The statistics are daunting for former foster youth and at-risk youth. Young people who are at-risk or who leave foster care at age 18 without being adopted or permanently reuniting with their families are more likely to be homeless than to be in school. By the time they reach their 21st birthdays, two-thirds will be unemployed and two-thirds will have babies.

Lacking the life skills they need to function independently – and without caring, stable adults to provide support and advice – these youth face immense challenges. Casa Valentina addresses these issues one by one.

Our outcomes show that our program works! Compared with other at-risk and former foster youth in Miami-Dade County, our residents are succeeding in creating brighter futures.

Current and former Casa Valentina residents

Former foster youth in Miami-Dade County

Enrolled in school

95% 43%

Earned high school diploma/GED

79% 42%

Delayed childbearing while at Casa Valentina

93% 66%

Employed while attending school full time

80% 31%
Note: Casa Valentina data based on 78 residents for school enrollment, 74 for diplomas/GEDs, 59 young women for childbearing, and 73 for employment. School and childbearing, data from Our Kids, Inc., 2011-2012. Employment, data from FIU, 2008.

Casa Valentina: A House of Love