| Resumen: |
Youth deserve the opportunity to live in communities that promote their health and well-being, maximize their power, and promise, and support their ability to achieve their goals and dreams. The transition to adulthood is an important time of growth, where the right balance of independence and support is critical to promoting health and well-being throughout life.
Promoting healthy adolescent development must be “an intentional, deliberate process of providing support, relationships, experiences, and opportunities.” To create the environment and context for young people to thrive, we owe all of them access to the opportunities they want and need to be successful. For young people who have exited foster care, we especially owe them the opportunity to achieve their goals outside of surveilling systems, and the support, preparation, opportunities, and connections to be able to do so. Our communities should be places where youth can connect with the supports they need, and do so while being included, affirmed, cared for, and valued, and feeling that they belong. |
