Young People in Foster Care Tell How States Can Remove Barriers to Normalcy

Leveraging the Strengthening Families Act to Promote Normalcy

By the Annie E. Casey Foundation

A new Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative report shares reform recommendations aimed at helping young people in foster care enjoy their fair share of normal, growing-up activities as they move toward adulthood.

In the report, young people who were or currently are in foster care identify four things that they need to thrive in adulthood: 1) connections to family and caring relationships; 2) a reduced use of group placements; 3) a more rigorous selection and training process for foster parents; and 4) greater opportunities to make their own decisions and learn from experience.

Read the report: What Young People Need to Thrive