Young people in foster care need many things in order to succeed as adults and many organizations have researched this topic. Neuroscience research has recently revealed that adolescent brains go through a period of massive development that is similar to early childhood. When we take this new data into account, it becomes clear that adolescents in foster care need to take on very specific developmental tasks in order to become healthy productive adults. Here are just a few highlights from the Jim Casey report on The Adolescent Brain.
Extended Care
Neuroscience tells us that the brain continues to mature into our twenties. Extending foster care through this developmental period is critical to the success of those who age out.
Connection
By the age of 25, young people need to be “connected,” that is, “embedded in networks—families, friends, and communities—that provide guidance, support, and help, both financial and otherwise.
Practice Making Decisions
It’s important that adolescents in foster care are allowed to practice making decisions so they may gain confidence and learn from them.
These are just a few of the findings from the extensive Jim Casey report. Read the full report here.