Approaching the transition to adulthood: Distinctive profiles of adolescents aging out of the child welfare system

Citation Detail

Title:

Approaching the transition to adulthood: Distinctive profiles of adolescents aging out of the child welfare system.

Authors:

Keller, Thomas E., Portland State University, Portland, OR, US
Cusick, Gretchen Ruth, Chapin Hall Center for Children, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, US
Courtney, Mark E., University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, US

Source:

Social Service Review, Vol 81(3), Sep, 2007. pp. 453-484.

Publisher:

US: Univ of Chicago Press.

ISSN:

0037-7961 (Print)

Language:

English

Keywords:

transition to adulthood; adolescents; aging out; child welfare system; foster care

Abstract:

The transition to adulthood is marked by new roles and responsibilities in such interrelated domains as education, employment, and family formation. This study investigates the capacity of adolescents on the verge of emancipation from the child welfare system to navigate this transition. To explore heterogeneity in adolescents' preparation for independent living, person-oriented methods are applied to a large, representative sample of youth about to exit foster care. The analysis suggests four subpopulations defined by distinctive profiles on indicators reflecting multiple domains of life experience. Identifying the particular needs and challenges of subpopulations has implications for efforts to match adolescents aging out of the child welfare system with appropriate services. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved)

Subjects:

*Adolescent Development; *Child Welfare; *Foster Care; *Life Changes; *Life Experiences

Classification:

Community & Social Services (3373)

Population:

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

Location:

US

Age Group:

Adolescence (13-17 yrs) (200)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older) (300)

Grant Information:

This study is based on the funding from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, and the Iowa Department of Human Services. Preparation of this article was supported by funding from the William T. Grant Foundation. Portions of the analysis were made possible in part by a grant (R03 MH070525) from the National Institute of Mental Health to the first author.

Methodology:

Empirical Study; Longitudinal Study; Prospective Study

Format Availablability:

Electronic; Print

Format Covered:

Electronic

Publication Type:

Journal; Peer Reviewed Journal

Document Type:

Journal Article

Release Date:

20080114

Digital Object Identifier:

10.1086/519536

Accession Number:

2007-12840-004

Number of Citations in Source:

77

Persistent link to this record (Permalink):

Database:

PsycINFO

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