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Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7045-3409

Date Available

6-1-2025

Year of Publication

2023

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

Faculty

Dr. Laura Escobar-Ratliff

Abstract

A total of 407,493 children were identified as foster children by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (2021) at the completion of their 2020 fiscal year. The reason for entry into foster care is just as varied as the way in which the children exit. It is expected that many foster youth will experience poor outcomes as a result of their foster care experiences. Poor outcomes continue to be an ever-present undesired rite of passage for foster youth preparing to leave foster care at or after the age of 18. Research conducted over the years has identified various threats to successful transition for foster youth such as “homelessness, diminished education opportunities, economic hardship due to unemployment and financial instability, unplanned parenthood, involvement with the justice system, as well as substance abuse and mental health problems” (Chor et al., 2018, p. 1403). If experiencing poverty, crime, unemployment, victimization, or poor health (Rome & Raskin, 2019) isn’t enough hardship, these possible outcomes can be exacerbated for some foster youth belonging to various subpopulations with unique needs. A systematic literature review was conducted, posing the question what interventions can be implemented to improve outcomes for groups with secondary or tertiary barriers to success when aging out of foster care? In consideration of the compounded barriers faced by youth with disabilities, pregnant or religious or spiritual minorities when navigating independence after leaving foster care, the literature review looks to learn what current literature says about improving their outcomes as they enter adulthood. As there is a need for further research and development to reduce barriers and their impacts, independent living programs are not the solitary response to addressing the problem.

The author responds to the compounded challenges by explaining why service providers, doctors, and important stakeholders should act to enhance outcomes for subpopulations dealing with compounded hurdles to aging out of foster care. Information in The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2021) AFCARS Report reflects the overall results for adolescent foster youth after the age of eighteen. The John F. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program maintains independent living program provision of funding and support as expansion continues. (Chor et al., 2018). While the purpose of the programs is to help foster youth prepare to effectively age out of care, improvements to the delivery of independent living programming are needed despite statistics and funding. This article recognizes the chosen subpopulation’s secondary and tertiary needs that exacerbate barriers to successful adulthood require a catered programmatic approach. The author establishes how service providers, interventionists, and key stake holders can improve independent living programing and outcomes through implementation of the Systematic Ecological Care Program.

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