September 2013Vol. 14, No. 7Success Beyond 18 Campaign

Each year, approximately 23,000 youth transition out of foster care without a permanent connection. These vulnerable youth are more likely than their peers to become homeless, drop out of school, become parents at a young age, or spend time in jail—outcomes that cost about $300,000 over each young person's lifetime. To create a better path for transitioning youth, the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative launched the Success Beyond 18 campaign.

The national campaign aims to achieve three key policy and practice goals:

1. Provide developmentally appropriate services and extend foster care to at least age 21.
2. Ensure youth are engaged in decision-making so that they have a meaningful say in their futures.
3. Increase quality oversight and accountability to support the unique and evolving needs of youth in care.

To help achieve these goals, the campaign offers the following tools and resources:

• A Public Service Announcement designed to raise awareness about what young people face when they transition out of foster care
• An infographic depicting the costs associated with the current path for young people who transition from foster care
• A campaign overview providing information about the campaign
• A list of frequently asked questions about the campaign and transitioning youth
• Other available resources include information on adolescent brain development, assets for youth, policy tools, and more.

More information is available on the Success Beyond 18 website:

http://www.jimcaseyyouth.org/success-beyond-18/tools