Examined outcomes for all youths discharged from an independent living program from 1987 to 1994. Data included client characteristics and placement history, and assessment of skills as these relate to education, employment, savings, and living arrangements. Results indicated the life skills program improved the youths' self-sufficiency at the…

The child welfare field is uncertain how to best prepare older foster wards for independent living. Research priorities in this area are discussed in five categories: (1) education and school-to-work transitions; (2) formal assessments of readiness for self-sufficiency; (3) provision of transitional supports; (4) support networks; and (5)…

This article presents early descriptive findings on youths and their experiences in the first 12 to 18 months after leaving foster care as part of the state of Wisconsin's Foster Youth Transitions to Adulthood Study. Findings suggest that the transition to independence is a difficult time for youth leaving the out-of-home care system. (Author/SD)