This literature review investigates the critical topic of housing difficulties experienced by young adults and children in transitional foster care. More than 200,000 kids in the US went into foster care in 2021, with a disproportionate number of Black and Indigenous kids. This review explores the complex obstacles this vulnerable demographic faces to shed light on their current lack of housing solutions. This research is necessary because it addresses transitional foster care adolescents’ difficulties in finding stable housing, essential to a successful transition to adulthood. This study attempts to educate future practitioners and policymakers by critically analyzing the literature and offering insights into possible treatments and policies to lessen the housing issue this disenfranchised population is facing. To improve the well-being of transitional foster care adolescents and to advance research-informed practice in social work, it is imperative to comprehend the complexities surrounding this issue.
Background
There are many intricate issues surrounding foster care in the United States, especially when it comes to children’s housing requirements. Leloux-Opmeer et al. (2017) conducted an extensive study comparing children referred to these three types of care settings to identify possible distinctions between foster care, family-style group care, and residential care. This research sheds light on the range of experiences inside the foster care system. It establishes a foundation for comprehending the complex requirements of kids adjusting to different types of care.
Additionally, Rostad et al. (2020) offer significant perspectives on the demographic elements and patterns of foster care. The impact of state-earned income tax credits on lowering the number of kids going into foster care is examined in this study. Rostad et al. claim that comprehending the number of youngsters in foster care is crucial to appreciating the scope of the problem. Over 200,000 children entered foster care in the US in 2021 alone, demonstrating the severity of the problem (Rostad et al., 2020). Notable patterns have been seen throughout time in the demographics of children in foster care, highlighting the dynamic nature of this socioeconomic dilemma.
Analyzing the data in this research reveals that there are many different aspects to the foster care system and that other circumstances affect how children end up there. The analysis of various care settings by Leloux-Opmeer et al. (2017) makes one wonder how these differences affect foster children’s housing results. Are some care settings more suited to dealing with housing issues? This query encourages a nuanced investigation of the connections between experiences in foster care and unstable housing, setting the foundation for the later portions of this literature study.
Challenges in Transitioning to Stable Housing for Foster Care Youth
Children in foster care confront various obstacles when navigating to stable housing, as Verulava et al. (2020) and Hochstenbach and Boterman (2015) have shown. The study by Verulava et al. examines the experiences of young people who age out of foster care and uncovers common obstacles like homelessness, roadblocks to education, and difficulties finding work. Homelessness is one prominent theme that highlights this community’s vulnerability in transition. The study opens the door to a thorough discussion of the obstacles to safe and stable housing by provoking a critical analysis of the systemic causes of homelessness among adolescents in foster care.
Hochstenbach and Boterman (2015) examine the difficulties that foster youth encounter when navigating the housing market and acquiring daily living necessities. Insufficient readiness in these areas—including financial literacy, home maintenance, and proficient landlord communication—becomes a substantial obstacle. The challenges that foster care adolescents face in their quest to find appropriate housing are further compounded by this lack of skill development. Furthermore, the research illuminates the intricacies of the housing sector, wherein young individuals encounter difficulties comprehending lease contracts, allocating funds for housing-related expenditures, and contending in a marketplace that might penalize those with restricted financial means.
The investigation of school and job obstacles by Verulava et al. (2020) adds another level of difficulty to the challenges experienced by foster adolescents. Their inability to obtain secure housing is further hampered by their low levels of education and employment. Financial precarity is exacerbated by disruptions to education and job security, which makes it more difficult for these people to find and keep a stable place to live. This complex web of interactions highlights the structural difficulties inherent in the foster care experience and the necessity of all-encompassing support networks.
The difficulties found in the foster care system—which have been brought to light by Verulava et al. (2020) and Hochstenbach and Boterman (2015)—highlight how difficult it is for transitioning adolescents to find secure homes. The conversation about homelessness, obstacles to education, work difficulties, and practical advice on managing everyday life and the housing market prepares the audience for an in-depth investigation of transitional foster care adolescents’ problems in finding permanent homes.
Negative Impact of Foster Youth Placements
Narey and Owers (2018) examine the complex issue of foster care youths feeling continually compared to their foster parents’ biological children, which upsets the delicate balance of a loving environment for them. Even while this practice may have good intentions, there is a risk that it can hurt foster children because they will feel pressure to compare themselves to others outside of their families. The effects are felt deeply in the larger framework of their mental health and general well-being, in addition to the dynamics within the immediate family.
Narey and Owers (2018) explore the complexities of placements within the English foster care system as well as the unintended effects of making comparisons between foster and biological children. This occurrence adds another level of complexity to the foster care experience by putting children through a different kind of psychological strain after they have already overcome the difficulties of being separated from their original families. A set of potentially unrealistic expectations is set in motion by the frequent comparison to the biological children of their foster parents, creating an atmosphere in which foster youngsters may feel inadequate or disappointed.
The study conducted by Zill and Bramlett (2014) on the health and well-being of adopted children from foster care brings a heartbreaking viewpoint to the conversation. Constant comparisons have an effect on foster youth’s mental health that goes beyond the short-term emotional cost. According to the study, these kinds of comparisons may be a factor in elevated stress levels, low self-esteem, and a generalized feeling of alienation. These comparisons constitute a powerful obstacle to fostering youngsters’ development of a positive self-image and a sense of security in their home surroundings as they traverse the complexity of identity and belonging.
Foster youth have ongoing comparisons of adverse effects on their mental health daily. Zill and Bramlett (2014) provide a clear picture of the difficulties these young people encounter in trying to live up to expectations imposed by comparisons, negatively impacting their emotional health. The following challenges can be behavioral problems, academic difficulties, or unhappiness.
Essentially, Narey and Owers (2018) and Zill and Bramlett (2014) have examined the detrimental effects of foster adolescent placements, highlighting an essential aspect of the foster care experience. The unintentional harm brought about by frequent comparisons highlights how crucial it is to create an atmosphere where every child—biological or foster—is valued for the distinctive attributes that make them unique. This thorough investigation highlights the need to create surroundings prioritizing each child’s well-being. It lays the groundwork for a deeper understanding of the psychological intricacies inherent in foster care arrangements.
Homeless Rates among Foster Care Children of Color
Beyond the number availability, the critical lens acknowledges the enormous issue of finding foster children, particularly those of color, suitable homes. The lack of eligible homes is a serious issue that involves careful attention to care for cultural, ethnic, and personality matching and practical considerations. Seeking a successful placement requires more than just a one-time placement; it requires a sustained dedication to sustainability. When it comes to children of color, this dedication becomes even more critical because the lack of families that are culturally and ethnically appropriate can make their already difficult journey through the foster care system even more difficult.
The lack of suitable foster homes for children of color is not only a matter of scarcity; institutional inequities, inclusion, and equity within the child welfare system are all intricately linked to this problem. Huggins-Hoyt et al. (2019) examine the results for foster children of color, revealing the effects of racial disparities, privatization, and disproportionality. Foster children of race must navigate an intricate web of problems that includes a lack of homes as well as the potential for systemic injustice and restrictions on their access to appropriate placements.
Matches between cultural and ethnic backgrounds in foster care settings become crucial factors, representing the distinct identities and requirements of children of color. A sense of displacement and alienation may result from the absence of households that accurately represent the cultural and ethnic backgrounds of these kids. Finding a foster family who appreciates, cherishes, and understands the cultural experience of their kid is not only a desire but also an essential component in promoting optimal developmental outcomes for children of color. In addition to limiting the children’s immediate well-being, the lack of these homes feeds a cycle of cultural alienation that may have long-term effects on their lives.
When thinking about children of color, personality alignment—a factor that is frequently disregarded in foster care placements—becomes even more critical. It is essential to carefully consider how a child’s distinct experiences and cultural background have influenced their personality. It’s vital for the child and the foster family to have complementary personalities to create a space where the youngster feels heard, seen, and welcomed. Navigating the nuances of identification within the foster care system can be especially difficult for children of color. A compatible personality can give them the emotional support they need to overcome these obstacles and cultivate a positive self-image.
An extra layer that needs to be taken into consideration when looking at foster care placements is the consideration of physical ability, especially when looking at the experiences of children of color. A child’s cultural and ethnic identity may connect with their health, disability, and developmental milestones. Children of race in the foster care system may experience more difficulties due to the lack of homes that can meet their unique requirements. A comprehensive approach to child care must include the kid’s physical health and emotional and psychological needs, acknowledging and addressing the intersectionality of their identities.
Beyond the pressing need for placement, the lack of suitable families for foster children of color is a serious issue that goes deep into the causes of structural inequities in the child welfare system. Huggins-Hoyt et al. (2019) examined racial disproportionality and disparity and found that a complex interaction of factors contributes to the difficulties that children of color encounter in finding appropriate homes. Privatization of the child welfare system has the potential to worsen inequality by denying children of color access to resources and assistance.
According to Tyler and Melander (2010), the long-term sustainability of foster care placements is critical to their continued effectiveness, even in the absence of suitable homes. Adopting a kid is a commitment to provide long-term stability and support; it is not a fleeting gesture. This dedication is even more critical for children of color because of the structural obstacles they could face. Foster children of color benefit greatly from stable, nurturing environments, which improve their short-term outcomes and significantly influence their long-term prospects.
Future Practitioners and Policy Recommendations
A multidisciplinary strategy is required to address the housing crisis that transitional foster care adolescents face, involving future practitioners and policymakers in the search for workable solutions. A policy framework supporting adolescents aging out of foster care through college is well-explained by Okpych (2012), while Fowler, Zachry, and McDonald (2023) offer policy suggestions based on an empirical examination of an online foster care community. Recommendations can be made based on these sources to help future practitioners and legislators develop practical solutions to the housing issues transitional foster care adolescents confront.
First, Okpych (2012) emphasizes the significance of education as a critical element in equipping foster adolescents for independent living through her investigation of a policy framework assisting youth aging out of foster care through college. Given the evidence linking higher educational attainment to better housing and employment outcomes, future practitioners should push for laws that prioritize foster youth’s education. This can involve specialized academic counseling, mentorship programs, and focused financial aid to facilitate a seamless transition from foster care to higher education.
Furthermore, the policy recommendations by Fowler et al. (2023) based on an empirical study highlight the potential of online foster care communities as a source of knowledge and support. Legislators should consider incorporating digital platforms to provide transitional foster care adolescents access to peer support networks, housing assistance programs, and essential resources. Future professionals can actively encourage and assist foster youngsters using these venues to strengthen their sense of empowerment and community.
To overcome obstacles, a comprehensive policy strategy that considers the particular difficulties faced by transitional foster adolescents is needed. As was said in the previous conversation, one major obstacle is a need for preparedness for daily living skills. Future professionals may push for laws that give foster children access to life skills education, giving them the tools to care for their homes, manage their finances, and communicate effectively.
Targeted governmental actions are also necessary due to the complexity of the housing sector. The focus of Fowler et al. (2023) on community-based solutions is consistent with the notion that local policies can be critical in resolving housing issues. Future practitioners can interact with local legislators to promote community development projects, affordable housing initiatives, and collaborations with landlords willing to house foster youngsters.
Furthermore, it is critical to implement policies that address the differences in the availability of sustainable housing and opportunities for children of color residing in the foster care system. Future guidelines should incorporate the sophisticated strategy covered in the preceding section, which considers cultural and ethnic matching in foster care placements (Degener, 2021. Advocacy organizations and legislators can work together to create and execute policies that support inclusion, equity, and diversity in the foster care system.
In essence, future practitioners and legislators must work together to develop practical solutions that address the housing dilemma facing transitional foster adolescents. The recommendations—which draw on Okpych (2012) and Fowler et al. (2023)—prioritize educational support, incorporate life skills training, integrate online communities for peer support, and create community-based housing alternatives. These suggestions are meant to provide transitional foster care adolescents with a more fair and encouraging atmosphere to face independent living difficulties effectively. A comprehensive and focused policy framework can be developed through collaboration between practitioners and policymakers to tackle the recognized obstacles and facilitate better results for this susceptible group.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the literature analysis highlights the unique challenges faced by transitional foster care adolescents and sheds light on the pressing problem of homelessness among them. These vulnerable people suffer a housing crisis that is exacerbated by a lack of adequate housing, structural injustices, cultural mismatches, and a deficiency in basic life skills. Insights from community-based solutions and policy frameworks provide opportunities for improvement. Nonetheless, the broader problem emphasizes homelessness as a social issue that goes beyond foster care specifically. Youth in transitional foster care confront particular challenges, such as navigating a convoluted housing market and dealing with the fallout from comparisons across placements. As we consider these difficulties, it becomes clear that a comprehensive strategy is needed, one that tackles both the current housing crisis and the structural problems that lead to the vulnerable status of transitional foster adolescents in society.
References
Fowler, J., Zachry, M., & McDonald, D. W. (2023). Policy Recommendations from an Empirical Study of an Online Foster Care Community. Child Indicators Research, 1-22.
Degener, C. (2021). Ethnicity reflections in foster families: the complexity of transculturally placed foster youth’s ethnic identity and the way their primary carers ethnically socialize them. In the University of Groningen research portal. University of Groningen. https://research.rug.nl/en/publications/ethnicity-reflections-in-foster-families-the-complexity-of-transc
Hochstenbach, C., & Boterman, W. R. (2015). Navigating the field of housing: housing pathways of young people in Amsterdam. Journal of Housing and the Built Environment, 30, 257-274.
Huggins-Hoyt, K. Y., Briggs, H. E., Mowbray, O., & Allen, J. L. (2019). Privatization, racial disproportionality and disparity in child welfare: Outcomes for foster children of color. Children and Youth Services Review, 99, 125-131.
Leloux-Opmeer, H., Kuiper, C. H., Swaab, H. T., & Scholte, E. M. (2017). Children referred to foster care, family-style group care, and residential care:(How) do they differ? Children and Youth Services Review, 77, 1-9.
Narey, M., & Owers, M. (2018). Foster care in England. Crown Copyright, The National Archives, Kew, London, 1-125.
Okpych, N. (2012). Policy framework supporting youth aging out of foster care through college: Review and recommendations. Children and Youth Services Review, 34(7), 1390-1396.
Rostad, W. L., Ports, K. A., Tang, S., & Klevens, J. (2020). Reducing the number of children entering foster care: effects of state earned income tax credits. Child Maltreatment, 25(4), 393-397.
Tyler, K. A., & Melander, L. A. (2010). Foster care placement, poor parenting, and adverse outcomes among homeless young adults. Journal of child and family studies, 19, 787-794.
Verulava, T., Jorbenadze, R., Bedianashvili, G., & Dangadze, B. (2020). Challenges faced by youth aging out of foster care: Homelessness, education, and employment. Euromentor Journal, 11(3), 104-116.
Zill, N., & Bramlett, M. D. (2014). Health and well-being of children adopted from foster care. Children and Youth Services Review, 40, 29-40.
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