On the Threshold of Change

As youth grapple with so many new crises in our current world, how may we harness strategic foresight to create better and more hopeful outcomes for young adults exiting foster care so they can not just survive, but thrive, by 2035? The pandemic, climate crises, new advances in technology, and changes in the economy have changed the trajectory of youth’s lives, and it is urgent that we change the systems that are responsible for youth in response. About California Youth Connection The mission of California Youth Connection (CYC), a youth-led organization, is to develop leaders who empower each other and their communities to transform the foster care system through legislative, policy, and practice change. CYC’s vision is that all foster youth will be equal partners in contributing to all policies and decisions made in their lives. All youth in foster care will have their needs met and the support to grow into healthy and vibrant adults. calyouthconn.org About Institute for the Future (IFTF) Institute for the Future (IFTF) is the world’s leading futures organization. For over 50 years, businesses, governments, and social impact organizations have depended upon IFTF global forecasts, custom research, and foresight training to navigate complex change and develop future-ready strategies. IFTF methodologies and toolsets yield coherent views of transformative possibilities across all sectors that together support a more sustainable future. Institute for the Future is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Palo Alto, California. iftf.org About Youth Law Center (YLC) The Youth Law Center (YLC) advocates to transform foster care and juvenile justice systems across the nation so every child and youth can thrive. YLC’s work aims to ensure that children are not only protected from harm and dangerous conditions, but also receive the support, opportunities, and love they need to grow up healthy and happy. For decades, YLC has led the field to transform systems to be truly child-focused and research-informed through litigation, policy reform, media advocacy, collaborative system change projects, training and advice, and public education. ylc.org