The Road to Adulthood

Aligning Child Welfare Practice With Adolescent Brain Development

Posted July 23, 2017
By the Annie E. Casey Foundation
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AECF Roadto Adulthood 7 17 cover

Summary

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.

Findings & Stats

Statements & Quotations

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.