Through the Success Beyond 18 campaign, we are helping states extend foster care services and "do it right" so that young people can realize their full potential to succeed in life, in work, and in healthy relationships. As part of our efforts, we have developed a series of resources for state policymakers and implementers, including a white paper that provides a blueprint for the policy and practice changes needed to create a better path for young people transitioning from foster care.

DELAWARE

The June 2013 passage of Ready by 21 legislation (HB163) - which was guided and shaped by direct input from young people - extends developmentally appropriate independent living services for former foster youth in Delaware, up to age 21. This legislation builds on the collective efforts of public and private partners who have worked collaboratively for many months to improve outcomes for youth transitioning from foster care, and once again demonstrates the state's commitment to older youth in foster care. In fact, Delaware Governor Jack Markell, who helped launch the Jim Casey Initiative's national Success Beyond 18 campaign in May 2013, is a strong proponent of taking steps to support older youth in foster care, and has proclaimed his commitment to ensuring they "have the opportunities they need to succeed along their path to adulthood." Visit the Delaware Youth Opportunities Initiative website and Facebook page to learn more about Ready by 21 and about the upcoming Ready by 21 Summit.  

FLORIDA

Inspired by the advocacy of current and former youth in foster care, the Florida legislature recently enacted the Nancy Detert Common Sense and Compassion Independent Living Act (SB 1036), giving young people the option to remain in foster care until age 21. This legislation, which reinforces research that shows extending foster care to age 21 can reduce the negative life outcomes young people often face as they transition from foster care to adulthood, is the second of its kind in Florida this session.   

HAWAI'I 

On July 1, 2013, Hawai'i Governor Neil Abercrombie - surrounded by youth advocates, public officials, and community stakeholders - held a public ceremony to sign into law the Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care Program (SB1340). This landmark legislative victory extends foster care services and supports to eligible youth until age 21, and is the result of the collaborative and dedicated efforts of many public agency leaders, judicial officials, issue experts, and other advocates. We are especially proud of the leadership provided by the Hawai'i Youth Opportunities Initiative, EPIC 'Ohana, Inc., and the many young people from across Hawai'i who shared their personal experiences in meetings, at legislative hearings, and with the media in order to help decision makers understand the pressing need for change. To learn more about the unique perspectives of youth advocates in Hawai'i, be sure to check out the 2013 edition of the HI H.O.P.E.S. Youth Advocacy Document and the personal testimonies of the youth advocates who helped make SB1340 a reality.

WASHINGTON 

In May 2013, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed SB 5405 into law, extending foster care services to young people until age 21. This legislation was broadly supported by advocates for youth in foster care and leverages the federal support for extended foster care made available by the Fostering Connections Act.   

• Jim Casey Initiative Executive Director Gary Stangler and Antwone Fisher (author, director, and film producer who experienced foster care firsthand) together shed light on child welfare policy and practice and foster care reform in a hearing before the Senate Finance Committee on April 23, 2013.
   
• Lynn Tiede, senior associate director for policy at the Jim Casey Initiative, also participated in Congressional testimony, speaking before the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Resources on May 9, 2013 about the importance of "letting kids be kids."
   
• The Jim Casey Initiative has also been invited to speak about Success Beyond 18 during a number of meetings and webinars, including those being held by the National Foster Care Coalition, Women in Government, and the Alliance for Children and Families.