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Educational outcomes for adults formerly in foster care: The role of ethnicity

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  • Villegas, Susy
  • Rosenthal, James
  • O'Brien, Kirk
  • Pecora, Peter J.

Abstract

Focusing on Hispanics and using data from the Casey National Foster Care Alumni Study, this paper examines the impact of ethnicity and other predictors on educational outcomes of adults placed in family foster care as children/youth. Though 88% of the alumni completed high school with a diploma or a GED, less than 10% obtained bachelor's degrees or higher. Regression models indicated that ethnicity did not predict outcomes. Physical/learning disabilities, placement in care due to child maltreatment, younger age at entrance into child welfare, less time in care, instability in care, less preparation for leaving care, and younger age at the time of the study interview predicted lower educational outcomes. Findings are interpreted and the importance of stability of placement, continuity of services, and transition-to-independence services are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:36:y:2014:i:c:p:42-52
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2013.11.005
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    2. 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.
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    5. Piescher, Kristine & Colburn, Gregg & LaLiberte, Traci & Hong, Saahoon, 2014. "Child Protective Services and the Achievement Gap," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 47(P3), pages 408-415.
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