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Publication The Integrated Positive Development Model of Aging-In: A Researched Based Approach on Integrating Foster Youth into Society After Emancipation(2024) Dill-Word, AntonioEmerging adulthood is a period of intense flux as young adults (ages seventeen through late twenties) navigate the challenges of becoming adults. This period of self-identity and development is distinctive by its feelings of instability, feeling in between adulthood and adolescence, identity exploration, self-focus, and optimism. However, for foster youth “aging-out” of the foster care system, this period is completely different. It is a period of lack of support, limited opportunities, low civil engagement, and low educational attainment. This paper offers a theoretical pathway toward a sufficient and secondary system following emancipation- aging-in. It looks at the psychological needs to reach self-actualization and how to experience wellness outcomes to create a system equitable to emerging adulthood while considering the challenges foster youth face. It suggests a model centered around 5 key areas: basic needs support, personal development and skills training, mentorship and internal community engagement, external community integration and matriculation, and returning as mentors and training in natural mentorship. The Integrated Positive Development Model of Aging-in is a research based, testable model that has the transformative potential to reshape the experience of emancipation.