More than 500 professionals from the runaway and homeless youth and child welfare fields came together in Philadelphia this August to discuss strategies for supporting young people’s transition to adulthood.

The 2014 National Pathways to Adulthood Conference acknowledged the diverse challenges facing young people who may need an extra hand on their path to independence. The Family and Youth Services Bureau and Children’s Bureau co-sponsor the annual convening to spark discussions among agencies that often work with young people facing similar challenges.

As in years past， youth participants played a critical role in the discussion. Nearly a dozen workshops featured at least one young presenter， with many more enlisting youth voices from the audience.

In her opening address， FYSB Deputy Associate Commissioner， Debbie Powell， thanked young people for their participation and reminded them that they are not alone in their journeys.

“A lot of us older people in the room have been where you are and have gone through a lot of the things you’ve experienced. We’re living proof that abuse， neglect， homelessness and other forms of trauma can be overcome，” she said. “But everyone’s needs are different and we need you to tell us how we can help you get through the individual challenges you face.”

Powell also called for collaboration to end youth homelessness， a problem faced by many young people exiting foster care. According to data collected between April 2013 and March 2014， approximately one in five young people served by FYSB-funded transitional living programs said they had spent time in the child welfare system.

“To end youth homelessness by 2020 -- which is our mandate from President Obama -- all of us in this room must work together to develop， implement and evaluate transitional and independent living solutions that stick，” she said. “That means we need to talk to each other and listen to each other—a lot. Only then will we be able to succeed.”