1 the adolescent brain: new research and its implications for young people transitioning from foster...
TRANSCRIPT
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The Adolescent Brain:New Research and Its Implications for Young People Transitioning From Foster Care
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[LOCATION/MEETING TITLE][DATE]
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About [INSERT STATE AGENCY/SITE]• [Insert a few bullet points about your organization.]
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About the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative
• The Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative:o Named in memory of Jim Casey, founder of UPS, who
improved the lives of millions of children and families through the founding of two national foundations.
o For the past 10 years, one of the leading national voices in child welfare, particularly focused on supporting young people transitioning from foster care into adulthood.
o Works on a state-by-state level with 13 states – including [INSERT STATE AGENCY] in [INSERT STATE] – to create systems improvements nationwide for young people transitioning from foster care.
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The Issue at Hand• Young people transitioning from foster care without the
needed network of support experience poor outcomes:
• More than one in five will become homeless after age 18
• One in four will be incarcerated within two years
• 71 percent of young women will be pregnant by age 21
• Only 58 percent will graduate high school by age 19
• Fewer than 3 percent earn a college degree by age 25
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Summary• In adolescence, the brain experiences a period of major
development and growth comparable to that of early childhood.
• Adolescents must take on distinct developmental tasks in order to move through emerging adulthood and become healthy, connected, and productive adults.
• Young people in foster care often lack the supports needed to complete these tasks, but several key recommendations have been developed to counteract this current issue.
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Key Findings• Between ages 12-22 for girls, and 15-30 for boys, the brain is
still developing.
• Many young people in foster care have experienced some level of trauma. But this research indicates that trauma’s impact on brain development is not permanent.
• Adolescence is a time when resilience can be bolstered.
• Adolescents need support, but also require challenge, responsibility, and some level of healthy risk taking.
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Important Themes• “Connected by 25”
• Social Capital
• The Impact of Trauma on Brain Development
• Resilience
• Neuroplasticity
• Positive Youth Development
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Recommendations1. Support positive youth development.
2. Provide interdependent living services.
3. Encourage young people in personal planning and decision making.
4. Engage in trauma-informed practices to promote healing and emotional security.
5. Extend developmentally appropriate foster care to 21.
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This is a Solvable Issue: Join Us
• [Insert your specific call to action. For example…]
• How will you enhance one aspect of your current practice to better incorporate these recommendations, and improve your support for young people transitioning from foster care?
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An In-Depth Look: Issue Briefs
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More InformationFor copies of The Adolescent Brain: New Research and Its Implications for Young People Transitioning From Foster Care and other related issue briefs:
www.jimcaseyyouth.org
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Questions?
INSERT YOUR LOGO [insert website]
www.jimcaseyyouth.org