Abstract
This study examined the gaps in services provided for aged-out foster youth with special reference to pre-vocational training and job placement services. The effects of current services on the success of aged-out foster youths towards independent living were also studied. The non-probability sample for the study consisted of 26 aged-out foster care students, between the ages to 18 to 21, currently living on their own and attending Community College. A 44 item questionnaire consisting of items on employment preparation, housing, financial resources, college attendance, financial stability, social network connections, and pre-vocational training prior to exit of the foster care system. Results from the study indicate that the majority of emancipated foster youth did not receive any pre-vocational training and the frequency of training was minimal. An important finding of this study was that the opportunity for establishing social networks was very high (84%) thus indicating that when opportunities are given for foster youth to make connections and succeed they are likely to engage in a path of success. Other factors that were instrumental in foster youth success were connections to biological parents, extended relatives, and resources for relaxation. However, resources for nutritional well-being and utilization of health services were minimal. Recommendations of the respondents to improve services were centered around social skills training, mentoring, and more opportunities for preparation to live independently. Recommendations of this study include developing a comprehensive approach to engage foster youth in accessing resources for career planning by initiating client centered pre-vocational training focused on empowerment and independence.