This book describes present conditions of former and emancipated foster youth, provides evidence-based best practices regarding their experiences, and proposes new policies for ensuring better outcomes for these children. It examines the state of American youth following discharge from foster care, along with child welfare and related policies in areas such as housing and education that may contribute to their success or failure, and draws lessons from successful programs.

Foster care and the transition to young adulthood -- The transition to adulthood in the United States -- Toward a national policy on transitioning foster youth -- Independent living programs : getting youth ready to leave care -- Research on life after foster care -- Education outcomes and challenges for foster children -- Self-sufficiency : employment, earnings, and receipt of public benefits -- Housing and the dangers of homelessness -- Health outcomes -- Mental health outcomes -- Pregnancy, sexuality, and parenting -- Criminal justice involvement -- Family and other social support networks -- Where have we been and where should we go? -- Appendix A Review of the research on independent living programs -- Appendix B Review of the research on life after foster care -- References -- Index.