Can I leave foster care before my 18th birthday?

In most states, you may leave foster care before your 18th birthday by asking the court to be emancipated and proving you are ready and would be better off on your own. Once you have become emancipated you will be responsible for your own care, including paying for your own housing, health care, education, food and household items, etc. Since this is such a huge responsibility, the judge will usually look for proof that a young person is ready to be emancipated. And beware—you may be giving up a lot of benefits by emancipating before you turn 18 (like free money!), so be sure to talk to your caseworker, an Independent Living Provider and other adults you trust before you make this decision. Most people will agree that early emancipation is not a good choice for most young people.