Engaging Church Teams to Support Youths Aging Out of Care

Emerging Adults (EAs) in out-of-home care (OHC) face significant challenges when aging out of the foster care system, including histories of traumatic experiences. Approximately 30,000 exit Child Protective Services (CPS) annually, with 4,000 becoming instantly homeless. This study used a facilitated grounded theory approach, engaging 14 participants representing two churches. The aim was to identify the topmost factors for gaining interest, commitment, and action from a Volunteer Church Team Volunteer Team to assist one EA in their transition to independent living (IL). Primarily, non-Hispanic White and Native American Indian participants aged 35–65 contributed insights during three hours of brainstorming and individual ideation. The study’s findings present a model for effective church volunteer enlistment and action that supports EAs existing OHC. The model also serves as a template for similar initiatives, such as community service projects. The 15-step model enhances organizational change management theory and volunteer organization team designs. The research underscores the importance of structured volunteerism within the nation’s 300,000 churches in reducing homelessness and other negative outcomes among EAs exiting care.