Adolescents in foster care must have a voice and play an active role in envisioning and planning for successful adulthood. This principle serves as the philosophy of First Voice, a training package for anyone who works with youth in foster care. The philosophy corresponds with the four parts of the Circle of Courage--Independence, Belonging, Mastery, and Generosity--that are described in Reclaiming Youth at Risk (Brendtro, Brokenleg, & Van Bockern, 2002). A study of adolescents in and recently out of foster care revealed that youth have a sense of nervous excitement when they think about their life after aging out of foster care. However, for many of them, that life is anything but idyllic. Some become pregnant and are left alone to face the challenges of early parenthood. Of South Carolina's former foster youth who filled out the Transitions survey (Philp, 2003), only 41% are employed, and even fewer (24%) continue their education. Most do not have a bank account, and two-thirds do not have a driver's license. Wald and Martinez (2003) conducted a similar study of foster alumni. Of those who were interviewed, nearly half had been arrested and a quarter had been homeless (cited in KIDS COUNT Data Book, 2004). Without better preparation for adulthood, adolescents will continue to experience a high level of difficulty living on their own. (Contains 3 notes.)