Influencing policy for youth transitioning from care: Defining problems, crafting solutions, and assessing politics

Qualitative interviews were conducted with policy and program stakeholders regarding the issue of youth transitioning from foster care. These interviews were designed for the purpose of collecting information related to “policy and program responses needed to improve outcomes for these youth.” Agenda setting theory provides the framework for interpretation of the data. The data suggest both positive and negative forces impacting the ability of this issue to gain serious attention from policymakers. Implications for further policy and theoretical development are provided.