The Transition From Care for Foster Youth 1

The Transition from Care for Foster Youth

Dan Blumhardt Youth At Risk Professor Nyhan July 28, 2010

The Transition From Care for Foster Youth 2 Introduction The transition for adolescents moving out of the foster system is a challenging one, regardless of how well the system supports them during this time period in their lives, due to the difficulties any young adult faces with the added responsibilities of adulthood. However, the challenges for this adolescent population are exasperated by inherent problems with the way the foster system currently works. This paper deals specifically with the ways the current foster system operates, and how it can improve the ways in which it helps teens once they age out of the foster system, which is between eighteen to twenty-one years of age depending on the State they live in, and after. Thus, this is not an evaluation of the foster system in general, or of how it supports adolescents who are adopted or who leave the foster system due to other reasons such as criminal activity or by choice well before they are required to. The research will show some startling findings that describe a highly problematic future for a high percentage of this at-risk population. The term at risk can be loosely used to label almost any adolescent at risk of mild to serious problems in life, but there is good reason to narrow the definition for this discussion. It can be said that any adolescent may be at risk of getting into all levels of trouble from depression to suicide, which would make all students at risk to different degrees. The important distinction, for the purpose of this paper, is that this entire population is proven through research to experience significant stressors and problems and is at risk in a generalized sense. Furthermore, their future prospects of a successful independence are bleak due to the present circumstances they face. Like adolescents in the Juvenile system, foster teens are shown to also have poor prospects for future success. Recent research on adolescent brains highlight the seriousness of the challenges this population will face and provides some explanation for them, which the foster system needs take into account:

The Transition From Care for Foster Youth 3

Abuse and neglect, especially over long periods of time, can have an impact on the regulation of biological stress systems that lead to alterations in brain maturation and resultant long-term maladaptive outcomes (Avery & Freundlich, 2009). Transitions Out of Foster Care In the U.S. Life Before Transition By the time a foster child is ready to be released from the care system, the cards are already stacked against them due to the inherent problems associate with this population. This is in contrast to many youth who have many of the protective factors associated with successful transitions to adulthood, especially stability and relational support. Based on research, every adolescent who is in the foster system should be consider at high risk for significant life stressors and problems. In researching vulnerable adolescent populations, it was found that foster teens share strong commonalities with adolescents in the mental health system, juvenile system, criminal justice system, and special education, youth with disabilities and chronic sickness, runaway and homeless youth (Courtney, Foster & Osgood, 2010). They stated that the foster youth population exhibits all of the challenges that characterize vulnerable youth in transition. They found that foster youth shared commonalities with these other vulnerable adolescents when it came to population overlap, which means they often fall into another one of these categories, to having poor outcomes, and to factors that contribute to success (Courtney et al., 2010). The Transition As might be expected from the data on difficulties this population faces, the transition period to adulthood is typically difficult. In one study, 63% of youth left before a planned transition out of care (McCoy, McMillen, & Spitznagel, 2008). This statistic is startling considering that most, if not all, of these transitions were not ideal for the adolescent. McCoy et

The Transition From Care for Foster Youth 4 al. (2008) also found that 67.5% of foster youth thought they would leave no later than age eighteen. Considering that leaving abruptly before it was planned means they cannot return, and that they have lower levels of educational attainment and employment than their peer of the same age in the general population (Munson, Smalling, Spencer, Scott, & Tracy, 2010), unplanned or early exits from the foster system is predictably highly problematic. After Transition The statistics are alarming for life of foster youth after they have transitioned out of foster care. A major national study found that 2.5 to 4 years after youth had aged-out of the child welfare system, 50% had used illegal drugs, 25% were involved in the legal system, and only 17% were completely self-supporting and that most youth exiting foster care are underemployed (Munson et al., 2010). Another study found high homeless rates, imprisonment, poor health, limited education, employment problems like in the other study, high pregnancy rates, and substance abuse among former foster youth (Collins, Spencer, & Ward, 2009). Financially speaking, research shows that all are also likely to live below poverty level, to have trouble paying billsand to depend on public. (Courtney et al., 2010). Besides financial difficulties, Courtney et al. (2010) point out another distinctive issue for all vulnerable adolescent populations, including foster youth, is that a third of former female foster youth are single mothers by age 21. Additionally, for those youth who left the foster system before 19 compared to those who left before, a study shows that outcomes were worse for those who left (McCoy et al., 2008). Foster youth leave the system for a number of reasons. One study asked foster youth after they left if they wanted to leave and 90.4% said they did (McCoy et al., 2008). This same study also showed that almost half said it was their idea to leave custody of the foster

The Transition From Care for Foster Youth 5 system, and about a third said it was their case managers idea. There are a number of reasons why adolescents choose to leave. McCoy et al. (2008) provide a good summary as to why: Reasons for leaving the system included a fear of arrest, a desire to be treated like an adult, and simply being sick of the system. In sum, despite efforts to plan thoughtful exits from foster care, a significant number of youth seem to leave the system by way of unplanned exits. Most are not discharged because they are ready for independence. This lack of readiness is a serious problem, but it is understandable for a number of reasons. It seems as though the foster system is able to provide some measure of protection given that the problems are significantly increased after transition out. Courtney et al. (2010) presents a number of reasons why this transition is so difficult for this population. This includes the fact that the transition to adulthood is difficulty for any adolescent, many foster youth have to find their own housing during this period of life, have limited, negative, or absent relations with family, and lack of support many adolescents can expect from family during this period of life such as help with college, child care for their children, and a place to live at times. Additionally, the sense of emotional support family can provide through encouragement and social connection is missing. Courtney et al. (2010) summarize the dilemma for these youth: Even if the transition to adulthood had not become so demanding, members of these vulnerable groups would face exceptional challenges finding employment, attending college, and marrying and starting a family. Many struggle with emotional or behavioral problems; many have histories of problems in school and the community. Foster System Issues Affecting Young Adults Transitioning Adults First and foremost, credit needs to be given for the fact that we have a foster system that attempts to help this population. There are case workers, foster parents, and many others who care deeply about these youth. Additionally, the foster system has received new focus both on the research and on the policy level in recent years. Secondly, there are a number of issues that

The Transition From Care for Foster Youth 6 are causing ineffective transitions including unplanned exits and lack of preparation for the transition to adulthood for this population. Unplanned Exits As mentioned earlier, there is an unfortunate trend of early exits from the care system intended to provide the support need during this crucial time of life when significant choices are being made regarding vocation, marriage, and parenthood. The sample from one study revealed that the most significant factor this happening was due to frustration with the foster care system (McCoy et al. 2008). McCoy et al. (2008) also found that many left in unplanned ways that were not consistent with agency expectations. In a recent discussion with two foster sisters, both of whom have been in the system since they are three and have been in the system for at least twelve years, I found a high level of frustration with the system and with the families they were placed in. This was due to abuse, being moved around too much, and uncaring caseworkers. Unpreparedness for Exit from System Foster youth are not adequately prepared for the transition out of care. A significant reason is the fact that the transition to full independence takes much longer now than it used to, yet care ends no later than twenty-one. Avery & Freundlich (2009) point out that the median age for completing school, marrying, and becoming a parent has steadily risen. It is now normal for adolescence to continue depending on their parents long after they pass into legal adulthood at eighteen. Avery & Freundlich (2009) suggest that These youth simply do not have the developmental maturity needed for successful entry into adult roles (at age 18). Courtney et al. (2010) asks, If the transition to adulthood is slow and arduous for a large share of the general population, how much hard it must be for young people who have spent yearsin foster care? Furthermore, Courtney et al. (2010) argue that:

The Transition From Care for Foster Youth 7 An outdated notion that the step from childhood dependence to adult independence is a simple one. It is deeply problematic that, having assumed the role of parent during the teen years, the state refuses to play the important role of parent during the next decade. Solutions to Improve the Transition Period for Young Adults Better Preparation Prior to Exit from System There are a number of suggestions as it relates to better preparing foster youth for the transition. First, an important, and well-known need, for all youth, and especially foster youth is a need for a positive and significant relationship with an adult, in which longevity, reliability, and ongoing encouragement are the most important (Collins et al. 2009). Second, Collins et al. (2009) suggest that, despite the strong emphasis individual mentoring for youth, there needs to be a stronger emphasis on networking with an assorted group networks and organizations, such as religious organizations, schools, and families on behalf of these youth considering that social support is considered critical for health and well-being and is particularly essential for vulnerable populations during times of transition. Schools are an example of organizations that have potential to provide excellent organizational level of support that also provides a web of relationships, as they currently do now despite an academic specific purpose. A third recommendation by Courtney et al. (2010) is to focus on education due to its ability to help in the transition to adulthood. This can take on many forms both in the school and outside the school. What is most important is that foster youth are getting the academic support they need. The value of an emphasis on education is also valuable due to also encouraging these youth to gain support from coaches, teachers, other support staff, and peers.

The Transition From Care for Foster Youth 8 A fourth recommended improvement is to focus on the family (Courtney et al. 2010). The challenges that adolescents face are often due to family issues, but many foster youth have a great resource through relatives that are willing to play an active part. In fact, many foster youth reconnect after they are transitioned out of the system. Collins et al. (2009) mentioned not only that it is common due to 90% having contact with birth families after transitioning out, but suggest it can be appropriate due to the fact that they are old enough to make decisions for themselves at this point. McCoy et al. (2008) agree that this is important. They wrote: The fact that so many youth returned home highlights the importance of family, as well as the desire that many older youth may have for reuniting with their family. Their families often serve as their safety net and for some reunification is their ultimate goal, even when it is not the system's goal. Collins et al. (2009) specifically recommend using family interventions as a way of helping foster youth during this transitionary period. The last recommendation for improving better preparation for the transition is to balance permanency with stability better. It is a foregone conclusion that moving adolescents is ideal if the situation can provide better permanency. However, Gustavsson & Stott (2010) provide an alternative point of view that takes into account the value of stability despite some challenges of one place even though it is with good intention. However, the authors point recommend evaluation take place before such a move for a few reasons. First, studies consistently found themes of pervasive loss, isolation, loneliness, and disconnection and the loss of their sense of controlloss of a sense of normalcyand a loss of their important belongings due to placement instability.(Gustavsson & Stott 2010). For example, a foster youth is in a group home and could be moved to a foster home with a family. They would recommend such a foster youth

The Transition From Care for Foster Youth 9 may benefit from consideration of staying in the group home after consideration of current social and other supports in place. Extending Time Period Before Exit McCoy et al. (2008) mention that adolescents are being discharged without notification and for arbitrary reasons, such as reaching age 17 and recommend that all youth should be in care until system does not require it. Furthermore, they accuse the system of getting rid of youth with behavior problems instead of doing what is in the best interest of the youth. They would go as far as to say that any suggestion of an exit prior to the required time should be challenged every time. Courtney et al. (2010) point out that this issue has received special interest recently with the Fostering Connections Act of 2008, which allows states to keep foster youth in the care system until twenty-one provide the youth is involved in a certain minimum of activities. With this law, states can and should provide youth with the support needed for as long as possible. Avery & Freundlich (2009) recommend a much more significant role by suggesting states provide services even after twenty-one until the foster teen is ready for independence on up until 30 rather than a cut-off age between 18 and 21. Improving the Decision Making Process Courtney et al. (2010) are strong critics of this aspect of the foster system. They believe first that youth should be empowered to have and make choices. NewHeart, Ortega, & Propp (2002) promote a empowerment model, which includes an overall emphasis on and development of the attitudes, values, and beliefs about the youths self-efficacy, which will be based on a very different type of relationship with the key players in the system, especially the caseworker. Courtney et al. (2010) also believe that the transition is made difficult by a number

The Transition From Care for Foster Youth 10 of factors, including lack of coordination between adult and youth services, lack of training with young adults, and insufficient funding for transition services. Improving Support During Young Adulthood While it is important to provide as much time as possible before and during transition, including lengthening the time when they are required to be done, it is also crucial that services during the young adult years are also effectively provided. McCoy et al. (2008) argue that, because challenges are typical for the transition to adulthood for those who were not under the care of the state, the state has an obligation to provide needed services and support. Courtney et al. (2010) provide more specific recommendations. They suggest continuing services after they left the child foster care, better support services at community colleges, health care, and a higher minimum wage. Avery & Freundlich (2009) suggest significant changes, including reconceptualizing the whole idea of independent living, which would result in much more involvement in the twenties and a new concept of interdependent living. This notion of toward an interdependent approach is strongly supported by NewHeart et al (2002) as well. They also suggest that no foster youth is released from care until an adult is committed to being a parental type over his or her lifetime. The overall point is to avoid cutting them off from dependence and relational support, and moving them to a healthy interdependence that keeps them from isolation and without the support needed while also maintaining the autonomy needed to develop into a mature adult. Conclusion The problems facing foster youth are significant. The current system aims to help this youth population, yet there are a number of problems inherent in how the system operates and in

The Transition From Care for Foster Youth 11 helping a foster youth no matter what system is in place due to being a truly at risk population. There are many ways the system has to take into account how to help students before, during, and after the transition out of care. Unfortunately, there are significant issues with unplanned exits from the system and lack of preparedness for the transition out of foster care into emerging adulthood. Research provides some recommendations for improving the system including mentoring, organizational support, focus on education and family connections, better balance permanence with stability, extend the time for services, improve the decision making process early on, and improving support after they are no longer in the system, in the hopes of ensuring a healthier, happier, and more effective transition for foster youth into adulthood.

The Transition From Care for Foster Youth 12 References Avery, R., & Freundlich, M. (2009). You're all grown up now: Termination of foster care support at age 18. Journal of Adolescence, 32(2), 247-257. doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2008.03.009. Collins, M., Spencer, R., & Ward, R. (2010). Supporting Youth in the Transition from Foster Care: Formal and Informal Connections. Child Welfare, 89(1), 125-143. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database. McCoy, Henrika, McMillen, J. Curtis and Spitznagel, Edward L., (2008), Older youth leaving the foster care system: Who, what, when, where, and why?, Children and Youth Services Review, 30, issue 7, p. 735-745, http://econpapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:30:y:2008:i:7:p:735-745. Munson, M., Smalling, S., Spencer, R., Scott, L., & Tracy, E. (2010). A steady presence in the midst of change: Non-kin natural mentors in the lives of older youth exiting foster care. Children & Youth Services Review, 32(4), 527-535. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2009.11.005. Osgood, D., Foster, E., & Courtney, M. (2010). Vulnerable Populations and the Transition to Adulthood. Future of Children, 20(1), 209-229. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database. Propp, J., Ortega, D., & NewHeart, F. (2003). Independence or Interdependence: Rethinking the Transition From "Ward of the Court" to Adulthood. Families in Society, 84(2), 259-266. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database.

The Transition From Care for Foster Youth 13 Stott, T., & Gustavsson, N. (2010). Balancing permanency and stability for youth in foster care. Children & Youth Services Review, 32(4), 619-625. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2009.12.009.