Research conducted by Chapin Hall and others shows that foster youth who are allowed to stay care beyond age 18—when most states end guardianship—are more likely to go to college and derive other benefits. With the passage of the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act, states now have a financial incentive to give young people the option of staying in care until they turn 21. How might states fund extended care, which despite the promise of federal monies, still requires states to assume a substantial proportion of the cost?

Please join us as a panel of experts examines this fast evolving area of child welfare policy and practice. Panelists will analyze short- and long-term financial implications of extending care to age 21 and will share research findings about what we know—and don't know—about programming designed to help foster youth make the transition to adulthood. They will also discuss specific state initiatives and innovative ways in which states are sharing and building upon what they learn about supporting the youth in their care, within this rapidly changing landscape.

Panelists

• Mark E. Courtney, executive director, Partners for Our Children, University of Washington
• Amy Dworsky, senior researcher, Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago
• Mary Gambon, assistant commissioner, Adoption, Foster Care, and Adolescent Services, Massachusetts Department of Children and Families
• Jody Grutza, senior policy analyst, NGA Center for Best Practices
• Moderator: Patrick Boyle, editor, Youth Today