In 2005, 24,408 youth exited foster care without achieving a connection to a permanent legal family. In recent years, state and tribal child welfare systems have begun to recognize the urgency of meeting every young person’s need for a permanent connection to a loving family.

Each state has worked to improve independent living services and expand housing options for children aging out of foster care. But too often, these efforts are not coordinated. In fact, in some cases, services are mutually exclusive or competitive.

Federal policy can help support and encourage states to integrate these efforts.

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