Improving Transitions to Adulthood

Transition aged youth in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems need an ecosystem of support, services, and opportunities that will allow them to thrive in adulthood. Many youth are left to navigate adulthood on their own, deeply traumatized by their experiences before system involvement, separation from their families, and their experiences in systems. Lacking relationships, post-secondary educational opportunities, financial stability, and job training, many struggle to access basic needs – including food, housing, transportation and child care – as they transition to adulthood. Youth who have experienced foster care or the juvenile justice system must have access to opportunity and to be recognized as leaders in shaping a better future. 

Our advocacy to support healthy transitions to adulthood supports college access, housing, economic benefits, youth leadership, and policy innovation guided by the lived experiences of youth who are rewriting what’s possible for the next generation.

YLC also works to secure these gains for the long-term by dismantling systemic barriers to opportunity, participation and leadership to ensure system-involved youth will always have the infrastructure, tools and support they need to succeed.