Each year, approximately 20,000 US youths face hardships after leaving foster care. To mitigate difficulties like homelessness and joblessness, the North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC) advocates for ongoing support for these youths, extending foster care to age 21, and providing comprehensive physical and mental health coverage up to age 25. NACAC also emphasizes the importance of individual transition plans, life skills training, necessary documentation, and having a committed adult mentor post-emancipation. Advocacy plays a critical role in helping these youths transition into adulthood successfully.
