Transitioning out of Foster Care: The First 12 Months

Autor/inn/en	Rome, Sunny Harris; Raskin, Miriam
Titel	Transitioning out of Foster Care: The First 12 Months
Quelle	In: Youth & Society, 51 (2019) 4, S.529-547 (19 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0044-118X
DOI	10.1177/0044118X17694968
Schlagwörter	Foster Care; Youth; Housing; Employment; Interpersonal Relationship; Education; Experience; Independent Living; Individual Characteristics; Resilience (Psychology); Virginia + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Pflegehilfe; Jugend; Jugendlicher; Jugendalter; Unterkunft; Dienstverhältnis; Interpersonal relation; Interpersonal relations; Interpersonelle Beziehung; Zwischenmenschliche Beziehung; Bildung; Erziehung; Erfahrung; Selbstverantwortung; Personality characteristic; Personality traits; Persönlichkeitsmerkmal
Abstract	Youth aging out of foster care are at particular risk for negative outcomes including school dropout, homelessness, poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, health and mental health problems, and victimization. Yet we know little about how, when, and why these youth find themselves on a downward trajectory. This qualitative, phenomenological study--conducted in partnership with four public child welfare agencies--examined the lived experience of 19 youth during their first year after exiting foster care. The authors used monthly, contemporaneous interviews to explore domains including housing, employment, education, and relationships with trusted adults. Although outcomes in employment were poorest, participants' experience in all domains was characterized by frequent changes and instability. Adverse events began immediately and many youth were unsure how to navigate the system to get help. Yet youth who were successful in one domain were more likely to be successful in others. Risk factors included having four or more foster care placements, being on probation, accumulating fines, and losing government assistance. Protective factors included living with an adult who shares the rent and maintains a positive, consistent presence; being a full-time student; receiving educational and housing subsidies; having reliable means of transportation and communication; and maintaining the same job throughout the transitional year. Despite facing significant obstacles, the youth demonstrated resilience and optimism as they contemplated their futures. Recommendations include providing specialized services that target youth as they exit the system, and emphasizing stability rather than self-sufficiency. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2020/1/01