1 The Adolescent Brain: New Research and Its Implications for Young People Transitioning From Foster Care INSERT YOUR LOGO [LOCATION/MEETING TITLE] [DATE]

2 About [INSERT STATE AGENCY/SITE] [ Insert a few bullet points about your organization.]

3 About the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative The Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative: o Named in memory of Jim Casey, founder of UPS, who improved the lives of millions of children and families through the founding of two national foundations. o For the past 10 years, one of the leading national voices in child welfare, particularly focused on supporting young people transitioning from foster care into adulthood. o Works on a state-by-state level with 13 states – including [INSERT STATE AGENCY] in [INSERT STATE] – to create systems improvements nationwide for young people transitioning from foster care.

4 The Issue at Hand Young people transitioning from foster care without the needed network of support experience poor outcomes: More than one in five will become homeless after age 18 One in four will be incarcerated within two years 71 percent of young women will be pregnant by age 21 Only 58 percent will graduate high school by age 19 Fewer than 3 percent earn a college degree by age 25

5 Summary In adolescence, the brain experiences a period of major development and growth comparable to that of early childhood. Adolescents must take on distinct developmental tasks in order to move through emerging adulthood and become healthy, connected, and productive adults. Young people in foster care often lack the supports needed to complete these tasks, but several key recommendations have been developed to counteract this current issue.

6 Key Findings Between ages for girls, and for boys, the brain is still developing. Many young people in foster care have experienced some level of trauma. But this research indicates that trauma’s impact on brain development is not permanent. Adolescence is a time when resilience can be bolstered. Adolescents need support, but also require challenge, responsibility, and some level of healthy risk taking.

7 Important Themes “Connected by 25” Social Capital The Impact of Trauma on Brain Development Resilience Neuroplasticity Positive Youth Development

8 Recommendations 1. Support positive youth development. 2. Provide interdependent living services. 3. Encourage young people in personal planning and decision making. 4. Engage in trauma-informed practices to promote healing and emotional security. 5. Extend developmentally appropriate foster care to 21.

9 This is a Solvable Issue: Join Us [Insert your specific call to action. For example…] How will you enhance one aspect of your current practice to better incorporate these recommendations, and improve your support for young people transitioning from foster care?

10 An In-Depth Look: Issue Briefs

11 More Information For copies of The Adolescent Brain: New Research and Its Implications for Young People Transitioning From Foster Care and other related issue briefs:

12 Questions? INSERT YOUR LOGO [insert website]