The National Collaborative for Transition Age Youth is Back in Action
"We need space to develop skills that we can carry with us for the rest of our lives, much longer than our involvement in these programs."
- Charissa Keebaugh (WA), FosterClub Young Leader, Member of the National Collaborative
If you’ve ever felt like the system just doesn’t get what young people aging out of foster care really need, you’re not alone. We’ve been there, and we’re doing something about it.
Last Year's Deep Dive
Picture this: A room full of passionate child welfare workers and young people who’ve actually lived the foster care experience. Our mission? To get real about the challenges young people face when they’re about to age out of the system, also known as transition age youth (TAY).
We didn’t just sit around talking. We listened. We shared. We got deep into the nitty-gritty of what’s not working and - more importantly - what could make a real difference.
"Sit at our seats, come to our table, instead of us always having to come to yours."
- Natalie Clark (UT), FosterClub Young Leader, Member of the National Collaborative
The Big Reveal: Our Best Practices Playbook
This year, we’re turning those conversations into action. We’re creating something that young people aging out of care truly need: a comprehensive Playbook of Best Practices. And here’s the key difference - this isn’t some top-down manual. It’s crafted directly by our Lived Experience (LEx) Leaders who know exactly what young people aging out need. This playbook is built to shift with the constant movement of the child welfare system and world we live in. Why? As Charissa Keebaugh, one of our incredible Young Leaders, put it:
"We could gather together and sit in a room and talk for hours about [how to change the system]. As we tackle the problems we’re tackling now, new problems will come up. You can’t put a timeline on this, it’s constantly evolving."
Why This Matters
Aging out of foster care isn't just about turning 18 or 21. It's about having the tools, support, and opportunities to truly thrive as young people step into adulthood. Our Playbook isn’t the end-all-be-all, but it is about breaking down barriers and creating real pathways to success.
You’re reading this and asking yourself: How can I learn more about this playbook?
We’re planning to share the Playbook with multiple audiences in 2025, such as our hope of presenting it to young people who this is directly relevant to in a future online meetup (monthly virtual spaces held and hosted by FosterClub Young Leaders for young people with experience in foster care ages 16-24).
Want to know when that’s happening?
Until then: share your story; spread the word; and know that, together, we're not just talking about change – we're making it happen. 🚀
The National Collaborative for Transition Age Youth is a joint initiative between FosterClub, Youth Villages, and APHSA (American Public Human Services Association). Together, we're working to improve outcomes for young people ages 16 to 24, transitioning from foster care to adulthood.