Publication year: 2011
Source: Children and Youth Services Review, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 20 June 2011
Stephanie Cosner, Berzin , Alison M., Rhodes , Marah A., Curtis
Research indicates that foster youth tend to fare poorly in a number of domains in the transition to adulthood, and the shift to independent living may be particularly challenging. However, it is unclear whether negative housing outcomes are attributable to foster care history or if they are due to other risk factors. This study uses data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 to compare housing outcomes for foster youth to a matched sample of youth who share similar risk factors and to an unmatched sample. Results indicate that foster youth struggle more in the transition to independent living…
Highlights: ► Housing experiences of former foster youth: How do they fare in comparison to other youth? ► We compare former foster youth to a matched sample and unmatched sample of youth. ► Former foster youth fared worse on housing outcomes. ► History of foster care was associated with homelessness and less stability. ► Former foster youth lived in poorer quality neighborhoods. ► Other risk factors were also associated with negative housing outcomes.