Each year, as many as 25,000 teenagers "age out" of foster care, usually when they turn eighteen. For years, a government agency had made every important decision for them. Suddenly, they are on their own, with no one to count on. What does it mean to be eighteen and on your own, without the family support and personal connections that most young people rely on? For many youth raised in foster care, it means largely unhappy endings, including sudden homelessness, unemployment, dead-end jobs, loneliness, and despair. On Their Own tells the compelling stories of ten young people whose lives are full of promise, but who face economic and social barriers stemming from the disruptions of foster care. This book calls for action to provide youth in foster care the same opportunities on the road to adulthood that most of our youth take for granted-access to higher education, vocational training, medical care, housing, and relationships within their communities. On Their Own is meant to serve as a clarion call not only to policymakers, but to all Americans who care about the futures of our young people.

From the Forward by President Jimmy Carter "'On Their Own' is a must-read account...for all Americans who care about our children."

305 pages

"The resiliency and determination to succeed shown by the young people Shirk and Stangler profile is incredible. This book is more than a portrait of unimaginable struggle, however; it is noteworthy because of its specific recommendations for how we can do better for these young people. If our government and society do not follow the authors' advice, the lives of thousands of young people are at terrible risk. There is no excuse not to do better."

— Marcia Robinson Lowry, Executive Director, Children's Rights

"On Their Own is a much needed contribution to the discussion of our nation's foster care system. Martha Shirk's journalistic skills and Gary Stangler's policy savvy as a long-time public servant combine to give us a vivid picture of the challenges facing – and resiliency of - youth about to 'age out' of foster care. They also provide a set of sound recommendations for action."

— Mark Courtney, Director, Chapin Hall Center for Children

"Together, Shirk and Stangler have written a searing book about one aspect of the foster-care mess - the older teenagers who age out of the system meant to protect their welfare."

— St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"...required reading for Nevada's lawmakers and anyone else who has a hand in foster care."

— Las Vegas Sun

"The resiliency and determination to succeed shown by the young people Shirk and Stangler profile is incredible. This book is more than a portrait of unimaginable struggle, however; it is noteworthy because of its clear and specific recommendations for how we can do better for these young people. If our government and society do not follow the authors' advice, the lives of thousands of young people are at terrible risk. There is no excuse not to do better."

- Marcia Robinson Lowry, Executive Director, Children's Rights

"On Their Own is a much needed contribution to the discussion of our nation's foster care system. Martha Shirk's journalistic skills and Gary Stangler's policy savvy as a long-time public servant combine to give us a vivid picture of the challenges facing – and the resilience of – youth about to "age out" of foster care. They also provide a set of sound recommendations for action."

- Mark E. Courtney, Ph.D., Director, Chapin Hall Center for Children, University of Chicago

Foster Care: A System in Crisis

On Your Own as a Young Adult Facilitator's Guide

Aging Out: With No Direction Home