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The Annie E. Casey Foundation's Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative (Jim Casey Initiative) works to ensure that young people transitioning from foster care into adulthood have the relationships, resources, and opportunities to succeed. In its efforts, the Jim Casey Initiative focuses on eliminating inequities that young people of color and those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or are questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity (LGBTQ) face while in foster care. This article focuses on experiences and outcomes for young people who are LGBTQ,1 particularly those who are also of color, who are participating in the Jim Casey Initiative's Opportunity Passport™ program, which helps build the financial capability of young people in foster care to ensure they know how to earn, manage, and save as they transition into adulthood.
In a recent data analysis of survey results from the Opportunity Passport program, the Jim Casey Initiative found the following for youth who are LGBTQ
* They are more likely to experience at least 10 foster care placements, with youth of color who are LGBTQreporting the highest rates.
* They are less likely to have at least one supportive adult on whom they can rely for advice or guidance.
* They are more likely to experience homelessness or couch surfing.
* They are less likely to report at least "good" physical and mental health. For example, the percentage of youth who are White, straight, and cisgender2 who rated their mental health as good or better was approximately 20 percentage points higher than youth who are White and LGBTQ.
The Opportunity Passport is a matched-savings program that provides young people with financial literacy training, a bank account, and the ability to match their savings to purchase assets. Young people work with trusted adults in their communities to build savings and make purchases-such as cars, books for school, and initial housing-related costs-to help achieve their goals. The program provides the developmental experience of managing money and making sound spending decisions-skills that are key to their economic success and that they may not otherwise gain while in foster care. Many young people report that the decision-making process they learn through the Opportunity Passport program-which requires them to research, weigh pros and cons, and consult with trusted adults...