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Racial and ethnic differences in the outcomes of former foster youth

Author

Listed:
  • Dworsky, Amy
  • White, Catherine Roller
  • O'Brien, Kirk
  • Pecora, Peter
  • Courtney, Mark
  • Kessler, Ronald
  • Sampson, Nancy
  • Hwang, Irving

Abstract

This paper uses data from two studies, the Midwest Evaluation of the Adult Functioning of Former Foster Youth and the Northwest Foster Care Alumni Study, to examine whether there are racial or ethnic differences in foster youth outcomes and, if so, whether those differences can be explained by factors other than race or ethnicity, such as differences in family background or placement history. We find that racial or ethnic differences in outcomes are more the exception than the rule, and that some of those differences can be explained by other factors. Others mirror racial or ethnic differences observed in the general population.

Suggested Citation

  • Dworsky, Amy & White, Catherine Roller & O'Brien, Kirk & Pecora, Peter & Courtney, Mark & Kessler, Ronald & Sampson, Nancy & Hwang, Irving, 2010. "Racial and ethnic differences in the outcomes of former foster youth," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(6), pages 902-912, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:32:y:2010:i:6:p:902-912
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lu, Yuhwa Eva & Landsverk, John & Ellis-Macleod, Elissa & Newton, Rae & Ganger, William & Johnson, Ivory, 2004. "Race, ethnicity, and case outcomes in child protective services," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 26(5), pages 447-461, May.
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    3. Harris, Marian S. & Jackson, Lovie J. & O'Brien, Kirk & Pecora, Peter J., 2009. "Disproportionality in education and employment outcomes of adult foster care alumni," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(11), pages 1150-1159, November.
    4. Hines, Alice M & Lemon, Kathy & Wyatt, Paige & Merdinger, Joan, 2004. "Factors related to the disproportionate involvement of children of color in the child welfare system: a review and emerging themes," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 26(6), pages 507-527, June.
    5. Fluke, John D. & Yuan, Ying-Ying T. & Hedderson, John & Curtis, Patrick A., 2003. "Disproportionate representation of race and ethnicity in child maltreatment: investigation and victimization," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 25(5-6), pages 359-373.
    6. Harris, Marian S. & Jackson, Lovie J. & O'Brien, Kirk & Pecora, Peter, 2010. "Ethnic group comparisons in mental health outcomes of adult alumni of foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(2), pages 171-177, February.
    7. Needell, Barbara & Brookhart, M. Alan & Lee, Seon, 2003. "Black children and foster care placement in California," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 25(5-6), pages 393-408.
    8. Courtney, Mark E. & Yin-Ling Irene Wong, 1996. "Comparing the timing of exits from substitute care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 18(4-5), pages 307-334.
    9. Garland, Ann F. & Landsverk, John A. & Lau, Anna S., 2003. "Racial/ethnic disparities in mental health service use among children in foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 25(5-6), pages 491-507.
    10. Ards, Sheila D. & Myers, Samuel L. & Malkis Erin, Allan & Zhou, Li, 2003. "Racial disproportionality in reported and substained child abuse and nelgect: an examination of systematic bias," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 25(5-6), pages 375-392.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hook, Jennifer L. & Courtney, Mark E., 2011. "Employment outcomes of former foster youth as young adults: The importance of human, personal, and social capital," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(10), pages 1855-1865, October.
    2. repec:mpr:mprres:7635 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Dworsky, Amy & Gitlow, Elissa, 2017. "Employment outcomes of young parents who age out of foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 133-140.
    4. repec:mpr:mprres:8139 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. Amy Dworsky & Keri-Nicole Dillman & M. Robin Dion & Brandon Coffee-Borden & Miriam Rosenau, 2012. "Housing for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care: A Review of the Literature and Program Typology," Mathematica Policy Research Reports 99170b3efe3c4d9091a187b17, Mathematica Policy Research.
    6. Cage, Jamie & Corley, Nicole A. & Harris, Leon A., 2018. "The educational attainment of maltreated youth involved with the child welfare system: Exploring the intersection of race and gender," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 550-557.
    7. Robin Dion & Amy Dworsky & Jackie Kauff & Rebecca Kleinman, "undated". "Housing for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care," Mathematica Policy Research Reports b930407795cb42658ce31bfc3, Mathematica Policy Research.
    8. Villegas, Susy & Rosenthal, James & O'Brien, Kirk & Pecora, Peter J., 2014. "Educational outcomes for adults formerly in foster care: The role of ethnicity," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 36(C), pages 42-52.
    9. Salazar, Amy M. & Schelbe, Lisa, 2021. "Factors associated with post-college success for foster care alumni college graduates," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 126(C).
    10. 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.
    11. Braciszewski, Jordan M. & Stout, Robert L., 2012. "Substance use among current and former foster youth: A systematic review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 34(12), pages 2337-2344.
    12. Huggins-Hoyt, Kimberly Y. & Briggs, Harold E. & Mowbray, Orion & Allen, Junior Lloyd, 2019. "Privatization, racial disproportionality and disparity in child welfare: Outcomes for foster children of color," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 125-131.

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