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School change, academic progress, and behavior problems in a sample of foster youth

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  • Sullivan, Melissa J.
  • Jones, Loring
  • Mathiesen, Sally

Abstract

This study examined the effect of school change on academic progress and behavioral problems. While the effect of placement change on behavioral problems, and case outcome has received considerable attention in the literature; its close correlate school change has largely been ignored. This paper addresses that gap. Structured interviews were used to collect retrospective data on youth's educational experiences while in foster care (n = 159). Youth reported a mean of 7.35 placement changes, and a mean of 8.26 school transfers during their average of 6.6 years in care. Almost 50% of youth lagged behind their expected grade in school according to their age. Results showed no statistically significant relationships between number of school changes and academic progress as hypothesized. However, school change was significantly correlated with an increase in behavioral problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Sullivan, Melissa J. & Jones, Loring & Mathiesen, Sally, 2010. "School change, academic progress, and behavior problems in a sample of foster youth," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(2), pages 164-170, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:32:y:2010:i:2:p:164-170
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Reynolds, Arthur J. & Ou, Suh-Ruu, 2004. "Alterable predictors of child well-being in the Chicago longitudinal study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 26(1), pages 1-14, January.
    2. Cook, Ronna J., 1994. "Are we helping foster care youth prepare for their future?," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 16(3-4), pages 213-229.
    3. James, Sigrid & Landsverk, John & Slymen, Donald J., 2004. "Placement movement in out-of-home care: patterns and predictors," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 26(2), pages 185-206, February.
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    1. Goulet, Julie & Maltais, Christine & Archambault, Isabelle & Noël, Véronique & Guériton, Muriel, 2024. "Supporting academic achievement of children in out-of-home care through effective interventions: results of a systematic review and meta-analyses," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    2. Hansson, Åse & Gustafsson, Jan-Eric & Nielsen, Bo, 2018. "Special needs education and school mobility: School outcomes for children placed and not placed in out-of-home care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 589-597.
    3. Fawley-King, Kya & Snowden, Lonnie R., 2012. "Relationship between placement change during foster care and utilization of emergency mental health services," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 34(2), pages 348-353.
    4. Sheerin, Kaitlin M. & Modrowski, Crosby A. & Williamson, Shannon & Kemp, Kathleen A., 2022. "The effect of sexual concerns on placement changes and school transfers for youth in the child welfare system," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).
    5. Spielfogel, Jill E. & Leathers, Sonya J. & Christian, Errick & McMeel, Lorri S., 2011. "Parent management training, relationships with agency staff, and child mental health: Urban foster parents' perspectives," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(11), pages 2366-2374.
    6. Sandh, Simon & Donaldson, Vernisa M. & Katz, Colleen C., 2020. "Students connected to foster care: An overview of high school experiences," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 113(C).
    7. Shim-Pelayo, Holly & De Pedro, Kris Tunac, 2018. "The role of school climate in rates of depression and suicidal ideation among school-attending foster youth in California public schools," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 149-155.
    8. Kothari, Brianne H. & Godlewski, Bethany & McBeath, Bowen & McGee, Marjorie & Waid, Jeff & Lipscomb, Shannon & Bank, Lew, 2018. "A longitudinal analysis of school discipline events among youth in foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 117-125.
    9. Sattler, Kierra M.P. & Herd, Toria & Font, Sarah A., 2023. "Foster care, kinship care, and the transition to adulthood: Do child welfare system processes explain differences in outcomes?," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 153(C).
    10. Olsen, Rikke Fuglsang & de Montgomery, Christopher J., 2018. "Revisiting out-of-home placed children's poor educational outcomes—Is school change part of the explanation?," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 103-113.
    11. White, Tony & Scott, Lionel D. & Munson, Michelle R., 2018. "Extracurricular activity participation and educational outcomes among older youth transitioning from foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 85(C), pages 1-8.
    12. Garcia-Molsosa, Marta & Collet-Sabé, Jordi & Montserrat, Carme, 2021. "What are the factors influencing the school functioning of children in residential care: A systematic review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 120(C).
    13. Höjer, Ingrid & Lindberg, Helena & Nielsen, Bo & Gustafsson, Jan-Eric & Johansson, Helena, 2018. "Recognition of education and schooling in case files for children and young people placed in out-of-home care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 135-142.
    14. Cheatham, Leah P. & Randolph, Karen A. & Boltz, Laura D., 2020. "Youth with disabilities transitioning from foster care: Examining prevalence and predicting positive outcomes," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 110(C).
    15. Lindner, Abigail Rose & Hanlon, Ryan, 2024. "Outcomes of youth with foster care experiences based on permanency outcome – Adoption, aging out, long-term foster care, and reunification: A systematic review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    16. Opsal, Tara & Eman, Rebecca, 2018. "Invisible vulnerability: Participant perceptions of a campus-based program for students without caregivers," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 617-627.
    17. McGuire, Austen & Gabrielli, Joy & Hambrick, Erin & Abel, Madelaine R. & Guler, Jessy & Jackson, Yo, 2021. "Academic functioning of youth in foster care: The influence of unique sources of social support," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 121(C).
    18. Okpych, Nathanael J. & Courtney, Mark E., 2018. "The role of avoidant attachment on college persistence and completion among youth in foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 90(C), pages 106-117.
    19. Cheatham, Leah P. & Luo, Yan & Hubbard, Shannon & Jackson, M. Sebrena & Hassenbein, Will & Bertram, Jess, 2021. "Cultivating safe and stable spaces: Reflections on a campus-based support program for foster care alumni and youth experiencing homelessness," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 130(C).
    20. Marion, Élodie & Tchuindibi, Laurence & Fiset, David & Trinh, Caroline, 2024. "Disruption and adaptation: The school mobility experience of young people in residential care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 163(C).

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