Supporting Youth Exiting Foster Care: What Works and What Is Still Needed

Panelists: Melanie Nadon, University of Chicago; Hui Huang, University of Texas at Arlington; Angelique Day, University of Washington, Congressional Research Institute for Social Work Policy; and Sarah Font, Pennsylvania State University
Youth leaving foster care face a variety of barriers, including those related to securing stable housing, finding employment, or continuing their education. In addition, youth who are living with behavioral or physical health challenges, past criminal legal involvement, are a parent, or come from a particularly marginalized background may encounter even more obstacles. Our four panelists will share their research on policies and other supports that have been proven to have positive impacts on foster youth’s transition to independent adulthood, and where there are opportunities for more effective initiatives.