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Foster Care Young people who experienced foster care as teens or aged out of care have unique barriers to overcome on their journey to independent living, including high risk of health challenges, early pregnancy, poverty and homelessness. The Northwest Foster Care Alumni Study (Casey Family Programs 2005) and the Midwest Evaluation of the Adult Functioning of Former Foster Youth (Chapin Hall 2007) summarize many of these barriers and offers strategies for success. The policy brief Easing the Transition to Adulthood (Society for Research in Child Development 2009) offers additional research and recommendations. Over 100 youth age out of foster care in King County each year. See also this opinion article (Seattle Times 2010) about education needs and outcomes. Homelessness Many young people experience homelessness because of family abuse, lack of acceptance and exit from foster care. Many youth become victims of violence and abuse while living on the street. Fundamental Issues to Preventing and Ending Youth Homelessness (National Alliance to End Homelessness 2006) and Homeless Young Adults Ages 18-24: Examining Service Delivery Options (National Health Care for the Homeless Council 2004) offer recommendations for addressing the needs of youth. King County's 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness includes local efforts to increase housing and services.
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