Research on the Transition to Adulthood from Out-of-Home Care in the USA: Lessons for Practice and Policy

This presentation will synthesize findings from a program of research conducted over the past 20 years on the transition to adulthood for young people in state care in the USA. The program of research includes (1) the Midwest... [ view full abstract ]

This presentation will synthesize findings from a program of research conducted over the past 20 years on the transition to adulthood for young people in state care in the USA. The program of research includes (1) the Midwest Evaluation of the Adult Functioning of Former Foster Youth, which followed 732 youth transitioning from care in three US states, interviewing them five times between ages 17 and 26, (2) the Multi-Site Evaluation of Foster Youth Programs, a series of experimental evaluations of independent living programs for youth in care, and (3) the ongoing California Youth Transitions to Adulthood Study (CalYOUTH), which is following 727 young people transitioning to adulthood from care in California. The presentation will summarize what is known about outcomes for former foster youth during the transition to adulthood in the USA, risk and protective factors that research has shown to be associated with their outcomes, unique subgroups of youth in need of distinct forms of assistance, and the evidence base for policy and practice innovation.