Remaining in Foster Care After Age 18 and Youth Outcomes at the Transition to Adulthood: A Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 100 (3) ◽  
pp. 260-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loring Jones
Keyword(s):  
Foster Care ◽  
Transition To Adulthood ◽  
Foster Youth ◽  
Transition Age Youth ◽  
Foster Care Youth ◽  
Former Foster Youth ◽  
Legislative History ◽  
Youth Outcomes ◽  
Extended Care ◽  
Research Findings

Many foster youth do not exit care for a permanency option and remain in foster care until they age out or are emancipated. Research findings have described the alarming circumstances of these former foster children’s adaptation to emerging adulthood. Public policy over the past three decades has sought various means of improving outcomes for these former foster youth. This review examines the legislative history leading up to extended care, the research on youth leaving foster care, youth preferences for extended care, the competition of extended care with permanency options, and the effects of extended foster care on transition-age youth. The benefits that can be had from such an extension are outlined.

scholarly journals Aging out of foster care: The experiences of former foster youth who successfully navigated this transition

2021 ◽  
pp. 251610322110194
Author(s):  
Margot Hedenstrom
Keyword(s):  
Foster Care ◽  
Foster Youth ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Aging Out ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Former Foster Youth ◽  
Making A Difference ◽  
Human Costs ◽  
Poor Outcomes

Foster youth face high risks and poor outcomes after aging out of care resulting in great economic and human costs to society. The purpose of the study was to describe life experiences of children aging out of the foster care system from the perspectives of adults who have successfully navigated this transition. Their life experiences during this period provided meaningful information for this study which helped to identify themes. Their perceptions of the periods during and after their transitions were explored to investigate supportive relationships, education, and workplace stability. Phenomenology was used to describe the experiences of nine young adults who had aged out of foster care. Participant ages ranged from 20 to 25 years old. Audiotaped semi-structured interviews were conducted for the study. Data analysis was ongoing throughout data collection. Four themes were identified: (1) “Facing a transition”; (2) “Depending on adults for help”; (3) “Making a difference for others”; and (4) “Moving forward with my life.” These four themes highlighted the participants’ experiences as they aged out of foster care. This study contributes to our understanding of the life experiences of former foster youth who are successful after the transition out of foster care. Recommendations for practice and research are identified.

Is the Foster Care-Crime Relationship a Consequence of Exposure? Examining Potential Moderating Factors

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-112
Author(s):  
Jennifer Yang ◽  
Evan McCuish ◽  
Raymond Corrado
Keyword(s):  
Foster Care ◽  
Transition To Adulthood ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Incarcerated Youth ◽  
Foster Care Youth ◽  
Self Identity ◽  
Moderating Factors ◽  
History Of ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Ongoing Support

Youth who are dually involved in both foster care and criminal justice systems represent a small minority of individuals with multi-problem risk profiles. Prior research has found that foster care youth are disproportionately more likely to be chronic offenders in both adolescence and emerging adulthood. However, the nature of this relationship remains theoretically underexplored and empirically underexamined, especially with respect to risk factors that may moderate the relationship. Using data from the Incarcerated Serious and Violent Young Offender Study, the criminal offending trajectories of 678 incarcerated youth were examined. A history of foster care predicted membership in a high rate chronic offending trajectory. This relationship was not moderated by parental maltreatment, negative self-identity, involvement in gang activity, or substance use versatility. Findings suggested a greater need for ongoing support for foster care youth during their transition to adulthood, regardless of their exposure to a range of other negative life circumstances.

Transitions of Youth in Foster Care

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joe M. Schriver
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Foster Care ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Aging Out ◽  
Foster Care Youth ◽  
Foster Care System ◽  
Multiple Risks ◽  
Youth And Young Adults ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Policies And Programs

This entry focuses on the transition to independent living process required of youth and young adults who are “aging out” of the foster care system. It addresses the multiple risks and challenges faced by young people who are aging out of care and those of young adults who have “aged out.” This entry addresses existing policies and programs intended to assist youth who are transitioning from care. Current research findings about the experience of these youth over time both prior to and after exiting foster care are presented. Finally, the unique risks and challenges faced by as well as existing resources for LGBTQ youth who are in the process of or who have aged out are presented as an exemplar of unique needs and experiences of youth from vulnerable populations. Attention is also given to the strengths and resiliency of many former foster care youth who successfully make the transition from foster care to independent living.

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