The number of children in foster care in Arizona grew 86 percent from 2009 to 2015 to more than 19,000 children today. Now, more than 750 young adults leave care every year.

What happens to them after that?

Without family networks or resources, these 18 year olds can struggle to get on their feet.

There is a program they can take advantage of, though only a fraction of them do. It’s called the Transitional Independent Living Program (TILP) and it’s run by Arizona’s Children Association.

They provide resources and case management for these young adults, but, mostly importantly, the program is a means for those who have left the system to come back.

The Show’s Lauren Gilger sat down with Megan Conrad, the program’s director, and Perla Rios, who recently completed the program.