From foster care to young adulthood: The role of independent living programs in supporting successful transitions

Citation Detail

Title:

From foster care to young adulthood: The role of independent living programs in supporting successful transitions.

Authors:

Lemon, Kathy, School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley, CA, US
Hines, Alice M., College of Social Work, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, US, ahines@email.sjsu.edu
Merdinger, Joan, College of Social Work, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, US

Address:

Hines, Alice M., College of Social Work, San Jose State University One Washington Square Hall, San Jose, CA, US, 95192-0124, ahines@email.sjsu.edu

Source:

Children and Youth Services Review, Vol 27(3), Mar, 2005. pp. 251-270.

Publisher:

Netherlands: Elsevier Science.

ISSN:

0190-7409 (Print)

Language:

English

Keywords:

foster care; foster youth; independent living programs; young adulthood; life transtions

Abstract:

Using data from the larger Pathways to College study, this article presents two analyses exploring the potentially beneficial role of independent living programs (ILPs) for foster youth. First, a comparative analysis using survey data describes characteristics of former foster youth who were enrolled in an ILP while in foster care (N=81) compared to those who were not (N=113). Second, an ethnographic analysis using interview data with ILP coordinators in nine California counties describes typical and unique ILP services, as well as the impact of recent federal policy changes on ILPs. Survey results indicated that ILP participants were more likely to be African American or Mexican American/other Latino, and while in foster care, they tended to be placed in nonrelative placements, had more out-of-home placements, and were more likely than non-ILP participants to have been taught a number of independent living skills. Ethnographic results indicated that ILP services typically use an instructional model that focuses on teaching discrete and concrete skills considered to be associated with self-sufficiency, and recent legislation has increased funding and flexibility in ILP services. Implications and recommendations for ILPs are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved)

Subjects:

*Adult Development; *Foster Care; *Independent Living Programs; *Life Changes; Self Care Skills

Classification:

Community & Social Services (3373)

Population:

Human (10)
Male (30)
Female (40)

Location:

US

Age Group:

Adulthood (18 yrs & older) (300)

Methodology:

Empirical Study; Qualitative Study; Quantitative Study

Format Availablability:

Electronic; Print

Format Covered:

Print

Publication Type:

Journal; Peer Reviewed Journal

Document Type:

Journal Article

Release Date:

20050307

Digital Object Identifier:

10.1016/j.childyouth.2004.09.005

Accession Number:

2005-01801-002

Number of Citations in Source:

32

Persistent link to this record (Permalink):

Database:

PsycINFO

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