This event continues the monthly public policy forum on children, families, and communities—THURSDAY'S CHILD—moderated by Judy Woodruff, former anchor and senior correspondent for CNN and chief Washington correspondent for PBS's The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour.

Presenters include:

• Cassie Statuto Bevan, Senior Policy Advisor to U.S. Representative Tom DeLay (R-Texas)
• Al Collins, Chief of Staff to The Anne Arundel County Executive (Maryland) and Former Chief of Staff to Maryland Governor Parris Glendening
• Mark E. Courtney, Director of Chapin Hall Center for Children at the University of Chicago
• Harry J. Holzer, Professor of Public Policy and Associate Dean of the Georgetown Public Policy Institute
• Pamela J. Loprest, Principal Research Associate in the Urban Institute's Center on Labor, Human Services, and Population

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As young people approach adulthood, becoming independent emerges as a significant goal. While children with solid support networks struggle to achieve self-reliance, those without these supports face an even more difficult time. The transition to adulthood is particularly challenging for three groups: those in foster care with no direct family support, young people with physical or mental health problems, and youth disconnected from employment and educational opportunities.

Youth in the child welfare system or those contending with disabilities have relied upon government support for much of their lives. And, while many of the problems they faced as children continue when they become adults, much of their support does not. For all disadvantaged youth, connections to employment are key to the transition.

The discussion will address an array of questions about the policy and program options for vulnerable teens nearing adulthood, including:

• What policies will best assist these young people in becoming successful adults?
• What types of programs are most effective and how should they be implemented?
• How might government support ease the transition into adulthood for these at-risk populations?