Text Offers Structured Guidance for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care

Publications

By Paul R. Pace

For the past 20 years, there has been increased attention to the circumstances under which young adults leave the foster care system when they achieve age-defined adulthood. In the United States, this is referred to as “aging out” of foster care. Typically, these young people did not benefit from reunification with their family or a permanent family situation with kin or through adoption.

The NASW Press book, “Perspectives on Youths Aging out of Foster Care,” is an older title by Mary E. Collins, professor at Boston University School of Social Work. While it was published in 2015, its content remains relevant to today, she said.

“Youth aging out of care have specific challenges that make the transition to adulthood more difficult compared to those without long-term experience in care,” she said. “Existing policies and programs do not provide enough support—they do not cover all youth aging out, the amount of support is limited, and there is substantial variation in services and access to them.”

Her book offers strengthening efforts to support youth leaving foster care by:

• Focusing on concrete supports. There is a need for significant support in the areas of housing, educational and vocational training, employment, and health care.
• Utilizing a community orientation. This includes an emphasis on enhancing multiple connections for young people during and after their transition so they are connected to their community and can benefit from, and contribute to, its assets.
• Recognizing the broader social forces. Many young people—not just those aging out of care—are struggling to attain the markers of successful adulthood. Disparity in family resources is a contributor to growing social inequality.
• Helping adolescents and young adults claim their voice in political arenas. There are several examples of youth organizing to improve relevant policies.
• Bolstering commitment to research-based knowledge.

NASW Press products are available at NASWPress.org