On Their Own

Understanding the Transition to Adulthood

On Their Own: What Happens to Kids When They Age Out of the Foster Care System by Martha Shirk and Gary Stangler examines one of the most significant challenges facing young people in foster care: the transition to adulthood without the support systems many of their peers take for granted. Through research, interviews, and personal stories, the authors explore what happens when youth leave foster care and begin navigating adulthood on their own.

The book highlights the realities faced by young adults who age out of care, including securing housing, pursuing education, finding employment, managing finances, and building supportive relationships. It also examines how child welfare systems can better prepare youth for independence and long-term success.

By focusing on the experiences of former foster youth, the authors provide valuable insight into both the challenges and opportunities that accompany this important life transition.

The Challenges of Aging Out

For many young people, the transition to adulthood occurs gradually with ongoing support from family members. Former foster youth, however, often face the expectation of becoming independent at a much younger age and with fewer resources.

On Their Own documents the obstacles many youth encounter after leaving care, including housing instability, educational barriers, unemployment, limited access to healthcare, and a lack of permanent adult connections. The book emphasizes that these challenges are not the result of personal failure but are often linked to systemic gaps in support and preparation.

At the same time, the authors share stories of resilience and determination, highlighting young adults who overcome adversity and build successful, fulfilling lives.

The Importance of Permanency and Connection

A central theme throughout the book is the importance of lasting relationships. Research consistently demonstrates that young people benefit from having caring adults who provide guidance, encouragement, and emotional support well into adulthood.

The authors argue that successful outcomes are often connected not only to financial resources and services but also to the presence of stable, supportive relationships. Mentors, foster parents, relatives, teachers, coaches, and community members can all play critical roles in helping youth navigate the transition from care to independence.

The book encourages child welfare professionals and caregivers to focus not only on practical life skills but also on helping young people develop meaningful, lifelong connections.

Why This Book Matters Today

At Evergreen Caregiver Support, we recognize that preparing youth for adulthood is one of the most important responsibilities of caregivers and child welfare professionals. On Their Own provides valuable insight into the experiences of young people leaving foster care and highlights the importance of providing support that extends beyond a youth’s eighteenth birthday.

For foster parents, kinship caregivers, social workers, educators, and community partners, the book serves as a reminder that successful transitions require planning, advocacy, and connection. It encourages readers to consider how they can help create pathways to stability, opportunity, and belonging for youth in care.

The lessons found in this book remain relevant today as communities continue working to improve outcomes for young adults transitioning from foster care. By understanding the challenges these youth face, caregivers and professionals can better support their journey toward independence and success.

Book Information

• Title: On Their Own: What Happens to Kids When They Age Out of the Foster Care System
• Authors: Martha Shirk and Gary Stangler
• Genre: Child Welfare / Social Issues / Public Policy
• Topics: Foster Care, Aging Out, Independent Living, Youth Development, Child Welfare Reform, Permanency, Education and Employment
• Focus: The experiences of youth transitioning from foster care into adulthood and the systems designed to support them
• Format: Nonfiction / Social Policy Analysis

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