emancipation. Only 27 of the 145 assisted rental properties in the
County met the LEASE criteria for safe and effective housing. These
results were further reduced when transportation to postsecondary
education programs and child development services
were included. Given that an average of 125 youth in Hillsborough
County age out of foster care each year, the small number of rental
properties that met the LEASE criteria highlights the challenges
these youth face in finding suitable housing. Even if the youth can
find housing that is affordable, the outcomes of the prototype
suggest that youth have limited choices of housing that is in a
relatively safe neighborhood, provides access to public transportation
and other needed services, and supports their educational
goals and parental responsibilities.