An introduction notes that policies focusing only on permanency planning for foster children are incomplete, because many youths will never return home and need preparation for self-sufficiency. Individual papers summarize national trends in providing independent-living services, Federal legislative support for independent living, and new legal options that are needed to help adolescents make the transition to self-sufficiency. Additional papers analyze the living arrangements needed to promote independence in adolescence, the roles of foster parents in preparing youths for independence, employability development and vocational preparation for foster adolescents, and aftercare services for youths aged 16 to 21. Other papers examine the use of volunteers in independent-living programs, program evaluation, and Canadian services related to preparation for independent living. Figures, tables, chapter reference lists, and subject and author indexes to Volume 67 of the journal.