A Call to Action

Summary

Each year, adolescents exit our foster care systems without a permanent family or the experiences necessary to easily navigate adulthood. This report challenges readers to adopt a new model—one of collaboration, customization and comprehensive support—to help give all of America’s foster children a chance at a better, brighter future.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Getting Us on the Same Page
• The Rationale for Change
• The Context and Language for Change
• The Promise of Change
• Getting to the Heart of the Matter
• Getting On With It
• Conclusion
• Appendix

Key Takeaway

Caseworkers for adolescents in foster care should embrace a family-focused, youth-centered approach.

To end the aging out crisis, the Annie E. Casey Foundation believes that we must provide—to each and every adolescent in the foster care system—a safe and permanent family, community connections and support systems, and the tools necessary to successfully navigate adulthood.