Each year in Philadelphia, an estimated 2000 to 2500 children prepare to leave the child welfare system. Studies have shown that without support, a significant portion of youth transitioning from care experience homelessness, victimization, unemployment and dependency on various types of public assistance.

To help this population make a successful transition to adulthood, DHS has established the Achieving Independence Center aims to ensure that youth leaving care have an opportunity to develop independent living skills, build a network of social supports, find safe, affordable housing and stable employment before they leave care. The AIC is a collaborative one-stop Center that provides access to a full range of independent living services to meet each youth's individual transition needs.