Transitioning to Adulthood from Foster Care

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Public Health
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Transitional age foster youth frequently lack the family support systems available to their non-foster peers.
• These youth often encounter multiple adversities, leading to poorer long-term functional outcomes compared to their peers.
• There is a growing governmental recognition of the need to provide comprehensive support services for youth transitioning out of foster care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the disparities in support systems for transitional age foster youth.
• To emphasize the need for research into effective programs for this population.
• To advocate for integrated transition systems of care.

Main Methods:

• This study is a literature review and policy analysis.
• It synthesizes existing research on the outcomes of foster youth.
• It examines governmental responsibilities and service needs.

Main Results:

• Foster youth experience significant disadvantages without adequate family-like support.
• Key areas requiring support include social-emotional well-being, life skills, financial literacy, housing, education, employment, and health.
• Current systems often fail to provide the necessary comprehensive care.

Conclusions:

• Transitional age foster youth require a developmentally appropriate, comprehensive, and integrated system of care.
• Policy interventions are essential to ensure these youth receive adequate support for a successful transition to adulthood.
• Further research is needed to develop and evaluate targeted interventions.