Information came from a literature review, telephone discussions with administrators in 25 states and more than 60 public and private child welfare agencies that provide independent-living services, and case studies focusing on four states' efforts. Results showed that fewer than half the youths discharged from foster care had received services to prepare them for independent living. They need independent-living skills developed through a continuum with four stages: 1) informal learning in the family, 2) formal learning through formal instruction and formalized activities, 3) supervised practice, and 4) self-sufficiency. Planning for independent-living services needs to address several policy questions, including whether current policies and practices need to be modified to more fully encourage independence and whether staff members understand what foster youths need developmentally to become self-sufficient. In addition, the continuum of services must emphasize that from an early age the delivery system should promote basic problem-solving capabilities, self-esteem, an understanding of the child's past losses, relationship building, and independent thinking. Description of specific services, figures and 8 references. (Author abstract modified)