TLDR the only way for kids to get the help they need is for the mentors to work outside the rules of the system. The system completely fails apart and fails to provide support into extended childhood that occurs between 18-25
It’s hard to see how abandoning an 18 year old in modern America with 0 resources to start life wouldn’t result in adverse outcomes. Most places won’t hire anyone under 18, if they get dumped on the street the day they turn 18 there isn’t much hope to bridge the gap and get a job or get money for housing. They might not even get a chance to finish that last half year of high school. What a mess