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Academic functioning of youth in foster care: The influence of unique sources of social support

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  • McGuire, Austen
  • Gabrielli, Joy
  • Hambrick, Erin
  • Abel, Madelaine R.
  • Guler, Jessy
  • Jackson, Yo

Abstract

Youth in foster care often experience more difficulty in school compared to their non-foster care peers. Difficulties exist across domains of academic functioning, including both performance (e.g., low grades) and behavioral health (e.g., high externalizing concerns) in school. One factor that has been shown to be associated with positive academic functioning in the general population but remains to be comprehensively examined among youth in foster care is social support. This includes examining specific sources of support for youth in foster care and taking into consideration the context of frequent placement disruptions many children in foster care experience. This study sought to determine which sources of social support are associated with academic functioning for youth in foster care by examining child-report of social support from parents, teachers, friends, and classmates in relation to school grades and teacher-reported behavioral health outcomes. Information on each source of social support was obtained from the self-report of 257 youth in foster care, and information on placement characteristics were obtained from child welfare casefiles. Teachers provided information on youth’s behavioral health in school, and academic grades were obtained from school records. Results suggested that youth reported teacher social support, as compared to parent, friend, or classmate social support, was most influential for both performance and behavioral health in school. Findings highlight the need for additional research on the important role of teachers for promoting academic success amongst youth in foster care, as well as the importance of placement changes in relation to academic functioning.

Suggested Citation

  • McGuire, Austen & Gabrielli, Joy & Hambrick, Erin & Abel, Madelaine R. & Guler, Jessy & Jackson, Yo, 2021. "Academic functioning of youth in foster care: The influence of unique sources of social support," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 121(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:121:y:2021:i:c:s0190740920322891
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105867
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    1. Flynn, Robert J. & Marquis, Robyn A. & Paquet, Marie-Pierre & Peeke, Lisa M. & Aubry, Tim D., 2012. "Effects of individual direct-instruction tutoring on foster children's academic skills: A randomized trial," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 34(6), pages 1183-1189.
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    11. Jackson, Yo & Gabrielli, Joy & Tunno, Angela M. & Hambrick, Erin P., 2012. "Strategies for longitudinal research with youth in foster care: A demonstration of methods, barriers, and innovations," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 34(7), pages 1208-1213.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Chiu, Hsin-Yao & McGuire, Austen B. & Jackson, Yo & Stoolmiller, Mike L. & Rodriguez, Alyssa M., 2023. "Maneuvering through life with positivity: Estimating the effects of foster youth’s appraisal on coping styles," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 155(C).
    3. Miranda, Alejandra & Rodriguez, Michael C., 2023. "Are bullying experiences and developmental assets associated with education outcomes for youth in foster care?," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 155(C).

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