An executive order aiming to expand opportunities for education, career development, housing and other resources for young people transitioning from foster care to adulthood was signed by President Donald Trump Thursday.

More than 15,000 young people age out of the foster care system annually, Trump said ahead of signing the executive order Thursday. "Unfortunately, too many struggle to become self-sufficient."

“These [foster] children will never be forgotten, and they’re going to grow up to be unbelievable, strong, smart, wealthy productive citizens," President Trump said at the signing.

Roughly 17,000 children are in custody of the Department of Children and Family Services at any given time, according to Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois.

Of those aging out of the foste

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