Cecilia Alonso & Dr. Colleen Delaney
Abstract
In the United States only 5-13% of foster youth enroll in college programs; only 2-3% earn a degree. The lack of academic success among the former foster youth (FFY) community requires explanation. This project investigates FFY experience before, during, and after foster care to identify reasons for this lack of success, and suggests programs and policy changes to assist this vulnerable community.
Data was collected via interviews with FFY from a variety of locations, age ranges, experiences, and occupations to uncover gaps in preparation for their transition into adulthood after emancipation. Qualitative methods are particularly good as teasing out the merits and demerits as the educational journey of FFY is not always linear. The results of the project reveal four major barriers which hinder FFY’s pursuit of goals and career objectives as they enter adulthood: financial and housing challenges, the development of hyper-independence which makes it difficult to ask for help, resurfacing trauma, and instability in general.
The results suggest the need to develop and implement a more holistic and personalized
approach in foster care. This improves FY experiences and their preparation for adulthood. Learning about what programs are being offered in educational institutions could be modified and employed in K-12 schools to allow for services to reach all foster youth not just those who are able to make it into higher education.
Details
Session 2
3:00pm – 4:30pm
Grand Salon
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