 If we want young adults to learn self-governance, they need to be taught skills for their adulthood, and they also need caring adults to continue to guide them into adulthood. It's important that federal funding streams like Title IV-B are updated to meet the current challenges in the child welfare system. A special emphasis should be placed on community relationships and the role they play in helping youth gain the valuable skills they need for adulthood. If you're a child or youth coming from a hard place, I hope you hear that you are deserving of love, and there is a beautiful purpose and plan for your life.