The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute (EBDI) recently released a report entitled “Never Too Old,” which discusses the need for more focus and efforts toward older youth in foster care. Here are three things you should know about this fascinating report:

1. The Institute recommends an increase in recruitment of and support for family members to adopt or to be a permanent family resource for children, that professionals work for the permanency of all youth no matter their age, and that restoration of parental rights should be looked at as a potential permanency outcome for foster youth.
2. A core conclusion of the report indicates that “permanent, emotionally sustaining and committed relationships are imperative for all youth – including those who grow up with strong families, financial support and other benefits – to reach self-sufficiency and to thrive in early adulthood.”
3. The report recommends that “a true permanency goal should be established for every youth, whether that is reunification, adoption, subsidized guardianship or formal long-term placement with relatives.”

To read the entire report, click here. You may access the overview and executive summary by visiting the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute website by clicking here. Take the time to read this important report, and make sure to share this post with friends and colleagues who may be interested!

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