With knowledge of how the adolescent brain matures, adults can do more to ensure that the road leaving foster care will take young people to self-sufficiency and successful adulthood. And this guide tells how.

July 22, 2017

In This Report, You’ll Learn

  1. 1

    Ways that child welfare professionals can support young parents in foster care.

  2. 2

    How adolescent brain development differs by gender.

  3. 3

    How adults can help young people in foster care respond to trauma.

  4. 4

    What child welfare professionals can do to promote permanence for youth in care.

Key Takeaway

Wanted: Adults who recognize the significance of race and ethnicity on a young person’s formative experiences

During adolescence, brain development depends on experiences and opportunities to build relationships, exercise autonomy, take risks and grow in a supportive environment. For youth of color, normal risk taking may be inhibited by fear of repercussions and more often criminalized.

Findings & Stats

Statements & Quotations