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Barriers and facilitators of the transition to adulthood for foster youth with autism spectrum disorder: Perspectives of service providers in Illinois

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  • Havlicek, Judy
  • Bilaver, Lucy
  • Beldon, Marissa

Abstract

The lack of established and well-evaluated models of coordination between child welfare agencies and other public institutions presents lingering challenges to preparing foster youth to make the transition to adulthood. This may be particularly true for foster youth with developmental disabilities who must exit child welfare systems and enter into adult service systems, if eligible. The qualitative study we present explores the barriers and facilitators of the transition to adult service systems from the perspectives of service providers. Due to the rising prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the general population, focus groups were specifically conducted to better understand the transition of foster youth with ASD. Barriers included perceptions of two separate systems and abrupt transitions; a lack of training, identification, and tracking of autism; and confusion about services and funding. Facilitators included persistence and professional relationship building, and consistent communication and information sharing. Implications for improving the transition to adult service systems are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Havlicek, Judy & Bilaver, Lucy & Beldon, Marissa, 2016. "Barriers and facilitators of the transition to adulthood for foster youth with autism spectrum disorder: Perspectives of service providers in Illinois," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 119-128.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:60:y:2016:i:c:p:119-128
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2015.11.025
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Blakeslee, Jennifer E. & Del Quest, A. & Powers, Jennifer & Powers, Laurie E. & Geenen, Sarah & Nelson, May & Dalton, Lawrence D. & McHugh, Elizabeth, 2013. "Reaching everyone: Promoting the inclusion of youth with disabilities in evaluating foster care outcomes," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 35(11), pages 1801-1808.
    2. Shannon, Patrick & Tappan, Christine, 2011. "A qualitative analysis of child protective services practice with children with developmental disabilities," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(9), pages 1469-1475, September.
    3. Dworsky, Amy, 2005. "The economic self-sufficiency of Wisconsin's former foster youth," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 27(10), pages 1085-1118, October.
    4. Dworsky, Amy & Courtney, Mark E., 2010. "The risk of teenage pregnancy among transitioning foster youth: Implications for extending state care beyond age 18," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(10), pages 1351-1356, October.
    5. Ziviani, Jenny & Darlington, Yvonne & Feeney, Rachel & Meredith, Pamela & Head, Brian, 2013. "Children with disabilities in out-of-home care: Perspectives on organisational collaborations," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 35(5), pages 797-805.
    6. Dworsky, A. & Napolitano, L. & Courtney, M., 2013. "Homelessness during the transition from foster care to adulthood," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(S2), pages 318-323.
    7. Fowler, P.J. & Toro, P.A. & Miles, B.W., 2009. "Pathways to and from homelessness and associated psychosocial outcomes among adolescents leaving the foster care system," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 99(8), pages 1453-1458.
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    Cited by:

    1. Havlicek, Judy & Bilaver, Lucy, 2021. "Service coordination for transition-age foster youth with disabilities: A survey of state independent living coordinators," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 125(C).
    2. Liang, Alicia & Lashewicz, Bonnie & Mitchell, Jennifer & Smith, Walter, 2021. "Mixed perceptions of self-determination: Struggles facing youth with disabilities transitioning from foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 121(C).

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