Fostering the Future: Providing Support for Foster Youths Aging Out of the System

Abstract

Foster youths leaving the foster care system are far more likely to experience homelessness, unemployment, domestic abuse, and felony arrests. Many foster youths have expressed their desire for and the benefits of aftercare or support services when leaving the system. It is important to determine what support service will be most beneficial for foster youths leaving the system in Indiana to improve their outcomes and prepare them to enter society. Through secondary research, this study will analyze common outcomes for foster youths after leaving foster services, the support services most sought after by those involved in foster services, and different support services currently offered in the United States. Through primary research, this study will compile data on experiences with foster care services in Indiana through an original survey and interviews and examine current support services in Indiana. This research finds that aftercare systems implemented in other states have drastically improved outcomes for foster youths after leaving the system. Indiana must follow in their footsteps to support youths entering society and improve communities across Indiana.