The Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative leverages its hands-on work across 17 states, the latest adolescent brain research and direct feedback from young people to drive state policy and practice improvements that help young people make successful transitions from foster care to adulthood. Our expertise is grounded in the following areas:
- Adolescent Brain Development
Research on the resiliency and potential of the adolescent brain means that no young person is a lost cause.
- Authentic Youth Engagement
When young people are active participants in planning their own lives, they develop leadership skills, improve their self-esteem, and form critical social connections.
- Case Transition Planning
When young people in foster care are actively engaged in their own case and transition planning, they can take advantage of valuable opportunities to develop the skills they will need to succeed in adulthood.
- Extended Foster Care
Extending foster care services to young people beyond age 18 and doing it right helps young people and the communities in which they live.
- Older Youth Permanence
Research shows that young people do best when they have caring adults and supportive family networks to rely on for a lifetime.
- Opportunity Passport™
This unique matched savings program helps young people improve their financial capability when transitioning from foster care or navigating other youth-serving systems.
- Research and Evaluation
Self-evaluation is necessary to measure progress toward improving systems and outcomes for young people.
- Role of Courts and Oversight
Judges and others responsible for the well-being of young people in foster care must recognize their need for developmentally appropriate services and opportunities.
