Online ISSN: 2325-7466
2006
Triannual
National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET)
United States

Articles

Foster Youth Who Have Succeeded in Higher Education: Common Themes

  • Thomas Lovitt (Author)
  • John Emerson (Author)
DOI
https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.68
Abstract
All young people, including foster youth and youth with disabilities, can succeed academically given adequate support and advocacy from educators, professionals, and their caregivers. Casey Family Programs (www.casey.org), a Seattle-based national operating foundation that has served children, youth, and families in the child welfare system since 1966, interviewed eight former foster youth who recently graduated from college. With only about 3% of former foster youth earning a college degree (Pecora et al., 2005), these eight students had clearly beaten the odds. Their perspectives on going to college and obtaining a degree despite numerous barriers presents an opportunity to learn how other young adults like them might be better supported. During the course of conversations and correspondences with them, 15 major themes concerning college success and a general outlook on life emerged.
Keywords
College Graduates, Barriers, Social Support Groups, Student Attitudes, Family Influence, Interpersonal Relationship
References

Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2007). Services for families. Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.acf.hhs.gov/acf_services.html#aafc

Higgins, G. O. (1994). Resilient adults: Overcoming a cruel past. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers.

Light, R. J. (2001). Making the most of college: Students speak their minds. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4159/9780674417502

Martin, J. (2003). Foster youth desire college, study shows, but face roadblocks to learning. St. Louis, MO: Washington University in St. Louis. Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://news-info.wustl.edu/tips/page/normal/452.html

National Council on Disability. (2008). Youth with disabilities in the foster care system: Barriers to success and proposed policy solutions. Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved March 19, 2008, from http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2008/FosterCareSystem_Report.html

Pecora, P. J., Kessler, R. C., Williams, J., O’Brien, K., Downs, A. C., English, D., et al. (2005). Improving family foster care: Findings from the Northwest Foster Care Alumni Study. Seattle, WA: Casey Family Programs. Retrieved Marcy 31, 2008, from http://www.casey.org/Resources/Publications/NorthwestAlumniStudy.htm

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. (2002). Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System. Retrieved March 19, 2008, from http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/systems/afcars/about.htm

Yu, E., Day, P., & Williams, M. (2002). Improving educational outcomes for youth in care: A national collaboration. Washington, DC: Child Welfare League of America Press.

There are 8 references in total.
How to Cite
Lovitt, T., & Emerson, J. (2009). Foster Youth Who Have Succeeded in Higher Education: Common Themes. Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals, 4(1), 48-53. https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.68

Winter 2009

Article Information

  • Article Type Articles
  • Submitted January 18, 2009
  • Published February 15, 2009
  • Issue Winter 2009
  • Section Articles
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