Why is turning 18 years old considered a cliff for young people growing up within Guatemala's system of protection? What should be a gradual transition into adulthood often becomes a sudden and difficult step into independence when a young person turns 18. At that age, they are legally considered adults and are generally required to leave the group home or orphanage where they have been living, since they can no longer reside in a home designed for minors. In most cases, they