Former Foster Youth

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

For this research, I would like to thank my family, friends and specifically my supervisor, for supporting and guiding me throughout my journey of learning. Without their support, it would not have been possible for me to conduct this research.

DECLARATION

I, (Your name), would like to declare that all contents included in this thesis/dissertation stand for my individual work without any aid, & this thesis/dissertation has not been submitted for any examination at academic as well as professional level previously. It is also representing my very own views & not essentially which are associated with the university.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

ABSTRACT

This research explores the phenomena of resilience in former foster youth. It highlights the challenges that are faced by the foster youth when they leave the foster homes in order to act as an independent citizen of the state. The research analyzes various risk factors that are connected with the emancipation. Furthermore, through interviews this research provides a description of the role played by the resilience in overcoming these challenges.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the Study1

Research Aim and Objectives2

Research Questions2

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW3

Background of Foster Cares3

Foster Care Systems3

Foster Youth5

Aging Out of Foster Care6

Resilience Theory7

Transition Theory9

Challenges Faced by Former Foster Youth10

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY12

Research Methodology12

Qualitative Design12

Interview12

Participants13

Data Collection Method13

Informed Consent14

Confidentiality14

Ethical Issues14

Validity15

CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS16

Interview Analysis16

Aging Out of Foster Care16

Challenges and Problems faced by Former Foster Youth17

Risks Factors18

Role of Resilience in Success of Former Foster Youth19

Role of Parents and Mentors in Developing Resiliency in Former Foster Youth20

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION22

REFERENCES24

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Each year in the United States, approximately 26,000 young people between the ages of 18 and 21 leave the foster care system because the government is no longer required to maintain them in government-financed care (Gilligan, 2007). This process of releasing young adults from foster care solely because of their age rather than their demonstrated readiness to live as productive stable members of society is referred to as aging out or emancipation.

Former foster youth face significant life challenges, including higher rates of homelessness, dropping out of school, alcohol and drug abuse, emotional illnesses, and unemployment as they transition from foster care. The negative life outcomes once they leave foster care can be attributed at least in part to low academic achievement and negative school experiences that may result from pre-placement and placement trauma (Baker, 2007). Poor academic achievement during their formative years (kindergarten through 12th grade) leave very few former foster youth the option of earning a postsecondary degree, a factor that studies suggest is critical to attaining a decent quality of life in the United States.

While there is growing research on the plight of foster youth and the transitional challenges they face as they emancipate from foster care, there are very few studies that explore the experiences of those who enroll and succeed in four-year colleges (Courtney & Dworsky, 2006). Thus, along with identifying these challenges this study examined the factors that enabled a small but resilient group of former foster youth to succeed in college ...