Abstract
Statement of Collaboration
The research team participated equally in the completion of this research project. Researcher Jacqueline Jones was the primary writer on chapters one and two of this project. She completed an extensive literature review of alumni foster youth, she also assisted in editing, and conducting a focus group. Researcher Akbar Bibb was the primary writer for chapters three and four. He arranged and conducted 3 focus groups in various Northern California Counties analyzed the survey data using SPSS and interpreted the outcomes. Together the researchers collaborated to compose chapter five.
Statement of the Problem
The purpose of this exploratory study was to assess if the needs of former foster youth in Northern California were being met through the welfare system and Independent Living Programs (ILP). The researchers used qualitative and quantitative methods to measure the former foster youth's responses.
Sources of Data
A multifaceted and exploratory research design was chosen by these researchers, which included 71 individual surveys and 3 focus groups. The researchers organized focus groups meetings with former foster youth who were active participants in the Independent Living Program. Using a set of 7 open-ended questions, the focus group meetings facilitated open conversations where former foster youth could express themselves freely on issues related to their emancipation process and foster care experience. The surveys were sent to Independent Living Programs: Butte, Placer, Monterey, Napa, Stanislaus, San Francisco, Alameda, Sacramento and Solano counties.
Conclusions Reached
There were several significant findings through the course of this study. Over 56% of the former foster youth responded that they would participate in an extended foster care system beyond the age of 18. Approximately 63% of research participants acknowledged that their transition to emancipation was difficult. In regards to the research participant's satisfaction with participating in an Independent Living Program, over 68% stated the program met their needs and 96% of former foster youth stated that they would contact ILP staff after emancipation. This signifies that the independent living program is a successful resource. Additionally, it confirms the research study findings that approximately 65% of survey participants stated that their county did a good job of Supporting them. Research participants cited substance abuse, family, employment, education and housing as challenging areas encountered upon emancipation.