Mayor Adams Announces Major Expansion of Fair Futures Program to Support Foster Youth

Mayor Eric Adams announced a significant expansion of the Fair Futures program on November 13, 2025, aiming to better support foster youth in New York City. The initiative will increase the number of young people served by the program from 4,000 to approximately 6,000, marking a 50% increase in reach. This expansion aims to provide more comprehensive coaching and resources to assist foster youth in transitioning to adulthood and achieving their educational and career goals.

The Fair Futures program will now include one-on-one coaching, tutoring, and housing support specifically designed for those in foster care or involved in the juvenile justice system. Coaches will work closely with participants to help them set and achieve personal and professional goals. The program’s new components, such as the College Choice initiative and a newly introduced Career Choice program, will provide financial assistance for college tuition and support for vocational training and workforce development.

According to testimony from Jenna Perez, the program director at the Children’s Village, the initiative has been transformative for many young people in foster care. She emphasized the importance of individualized attention and resources available to guide youth through challenges related to education and housing stability (Source: https://youtu.be/ngI860aj_M0&t=1083).

Additionally, among the new features is an expansion of the College Choice program, which has already seen a remarkable increase in college enrollments among foster youth, doubling participation within the past few years. The new Career Choice program intends to offer financial support for vocational training, catering to young individuals who may not pursue traditional college education but seek to acquire practical skills for stable employment (Source: https://youtu.be/ngI860aj_M0&t=1008).

Mayor Adams highlighted the pressing need for such programs, stating that investing in education is crucial to preventing future incarceration, reflecting a broader commitment to change the trajectory of young lives within the city’s foster care system (Source: https://youtu.be/ngI860aj_M0&t=574). With a budget of $163 million allocated over five years, this expanded initiative underscores the administration’s dedication to ensuring that foster youth have the necessary tools and support to thrive as they transition into adulthood (Source: https://youtu.be/ngI860aj_M0&t=481).

This expansion aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance resources for youth in the foster care and juvenile justice systems, promoting stability and opportunity for a vulnerable population in New York City.