Aging Out of foster care and the transition into adulthood Hanna Seferos

Overview of the population and topic Every year, 20,000 youth age out of the foster care system and have to begin making adult decisions. Emerging adulthood generally occurs between the ages of 18 and 25, where people will find themselves facing adult responsibilities but still have support from their parents. They may still live at home or receive financial support. Many former foster youth do not have this privilege and face the transition into adulthood alone.

Previous Research Research has found that former foster care youth face more homelessness and criminal involvement than other people at their age. 36% of participants in one study reported to have been homeless at least once by the age of 26. Studies reported that remaining in care longer has a positive effect on the likelihood of criminal involvement. A reason for this is because many former foster care youth have a lack of kin and non-kin mentoring relationships to support them in their transition. Qualities that participants identified that they look for in mentoring relationships include being approachable, understanding, easy going, honest, close to their age and humble. Someone who is easy to relate to, consistent, trust and respect.

Previous research 1/3 of the participants in one study reported that they did not feel prepared for adulthood because they were not taught the skills to obtain a job, or manage money while in the foster care system. Many participants had difficulty accessing medical care when they left the foster care system. Participants also felt that they were “on their own” once they aged out.

Research Question How does having a strong support system, either from family members or other mentor relationships help former foster care youth age out of the system and transition into adulthood successfully? Successfully in this case will be defined as, not becoming homeless, the ability to sustain a job, safe housing and buy groceries and not engaging in illegal activity to provide for their basic needs. There are issues using the word successfully because everyone’s experiences are unique and success can be defined differently for each person. Does having a mentoring relationship increase the former foster care youth’s ability to attend a college or university?

Study Design The design is based off of previous research. 500 participants of the age of 17 or 18 about to age out of the foster care system will be identified in four Western States, Washington, Oregon, California and Arizona. They will be selected based on two criteria: they are exiting the foster care system and they do not have any physical or mental disability. The participants will be interviewed starting at the age of 17 or 18 and every 6 months following until they are 21.

Questions they will be asked 1) Do you have a job? 2) Do you have a safe place to live? 3) Do you ever find yourself going to bed hungry? 4) Have you ever been arrested, charged for a crime or spent time in prison? 5) Are you already or are you planning on attending a college or university? 6) Do you have any contact with any family members? 7) Do these family members support you in any way, physically, financially or emotionally/Are they someone you can go to for help? 8) Do you have any non-family members who provide you with support, physically, financially, or emotionally/Are they someone you can go to for help? 9) If so, do you find these relationships helpful for you to meet your basic needs (food, shelter, medical needs etc.)? 10) If not, do you think it would be helpful to have a relationship like the one described above to help you meet your basic needs (food, shelter, medical needs etc.)?

Study Design Two groups will be formed after researchers have identified which participants report having a family or non-family member supporting relationship, based on that status. This study will include former foster care youth of color and people who identify as being part of the LGBTQ community in order to try and include the experiences of people from many identities and perspectives.

Predicted Results Because this study design is similar to previously conducted research, I would predict that the results would show a positive relationship between family and non-family supportive mentoring relationships and a more successful transition into adulthood. Less homelessness, criminal involvement, more stable jobs and more skills developed that are important for adulthood. It could be hard to tell whether there would be a positive relationship between mentoring relationships and continuing education because there are many factors that contribute to this. Financial resources, encouragement, etc.

Why it is important Extending foster care to the age of 21 could help former foster care youth transition more easily to adulthood. This research could help to improve other social work policies and better prepare foster care youth to take on adult responsibilities when they age out of foster care. This also shows there should be more of an emphasis on developing mentoring relationships to provide support.