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.

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.

Aging Out of Foster Care in Emerging Adulthood

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna K.P. Greeson ◽  
Allison E. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Foster Care ◽  
Child Welfare ◽  
Foster Youth ◽  
Child Welfare System ◽  
Welfare System ◽  
Life Course Perspective ◽  
Aging Out ◽  
Mentoring Relationships ◽  
Natural Mentoring ◽  
The Life Course

The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a significant developmental stage. When foster youth age out of the child welfare system, they are at risk of having to transition without family support. This chapter applies the life course perspective to describe the theoretical and contextual foundation that explains the hardships foster youth experience when emancipated from the US child welfare system. Next, the theoretical basis for natural mentoring among foster youth is explored using the resiliency perspective to frame the discussion. Then, current research on natural mentoring among foster youth is reviewed. Implications are drawn for US child welfare practice, policy, and research with respect to how to improve outcomes for youth who age out of foster care through the cultivation of natural mentoring relationships. The chapter concludes with an examination of systems in place to support transitioning foster youth from England, Israel, and Australia.

scholarly journals Providing a Passport to the Future for Foster Youth: A Case for Educational Leadership and Policy

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-14
Author(s):  
Karen Stansberry Beard ◽  
Stanley E. Gates
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
High School ◽  
Foster Care ◽  
Educational Leadership ◽  
Education Policy ◽  
Postsecondary Education ◽  
Vulnerable Populations ◽  
Educational Administration ◽  
Foster Youth ◽  
Aging Out

Carol, a teen forced into foster care, must learn how to navigate the path/road to postsecondary education. This case follows Carol’s matriculation through high school and the challenges she faces while trying to achieve her dream of going to college. Several challenges Carol encounters are discussed, such as her lack of higher education awareness, her need for tuition assistance, and aging out of foster care. The purpose of this case is to encourage future leaders to enhance opportunities for vulnerable populations, thus, it should be useful for students in education policy, educational administration, and higher education leadership.

Do Independent Living Services Protect Youth Aging Out Foster Care From Adverse Outcomes? An Evaluation Using National Data

2021 ◽  
pp. 107755952199211
Author(s):  
Hui Huang ◽  
Yong Li ◽  
John McKinley Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Foster Care ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Foster Youth ◽  
Academic Support ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Financial Assistance ◽  
Aging Out ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Youth Aging Out ◽  
Independent Living Services

Objective: Youth aging out foster care are at high risk of experiencing adverse outcomes. Federal funded programs have provided independent living services (ILSs) to these youth. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the continuity of ILSs at ages 17–19 in protecting youth aging out foster care from homelessness and incarceration at ages 19–21. Method: This study used data on 4,853 foster youth from the National Youth in Transition Database and the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System. Logistic regression was used to regress two binary outcomes on seven ILS variables and covariates. Results: The results suggest that remaining in foster care, continuous receipts of academic support, and financial assistance services at ages 17–19 protected foster youth from experiencing homelessness. Remaining in foster care and continuous receipt of financial assistance services at ages 17–19 protected foster youth from incarceration at ages 19–21. But, surprisingly, continuous receipt of housing education and home management training, and health education and risk prevention training at ages 17–19 were each associated with increased risk of homelessness at ages 19–21. The results also showed statistically significant effects of several covariates. Conclusion: Implications are provided based on the importance of financial assistance and academic support services.

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