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Maximizing educational achievement of youth in foster care and alumni: Factors associated with success

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  • Pecora, Peter J.

Abstract

The challenges faced by the United States and other countries with respect to education are particularly acute with respect to youth placed in out of home care and alumni of foster care. After describing the number of youth in foster care in the United States and recent research on their outcomes, this article will describe what factors have been linked with educational success for these youth and young adults. Strategies for improvement outlined in the article include pursuing permanency to help youth find enduring mentors, maximizing placement and school stability, conducting strengths-based assessment, aggressively pursuing educational supports, and treating mental health problems that may act as barriers to classroom success.

Suggested Citation

  • Pecora, Peter J., 2012. "Maximizing educational achievement of youth in foster care and alumni: Factors associated with success," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 34(6), pages 1121-1129.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:34:y:2012:i:6:p:1121-1129
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2012.01.044
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pecora, Peter J. & Kessler, Ronald C. & O'Brien, Kirk & White, Catherine Roller & Williams, Jason & Hiripi, Eva & English, Diana & White, James & Herrick, Mary Anne, 2006. "Educational and employment outcomes of adults formerly placed in foster care: Results from the Northwest Foster Care Alumni Study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 28(12), pages 1459-1481, December.
    2. DosReis, S. & Zito, J.M. & Safer, D.J. & Soeken, K.L., 2001. "Mental health services for youths in foster care and disabled youths," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 91(7), pages 1094-1099.
    3. *Unicef, 2007. "Child Poverty in Perspective: An overview of child well-being in rich countries," Papers inreca07/19, Innocenti Report Card.
    4. Trout, Alexandra L. & Hagaman, Jessica & Casey, Kathryn & Reid, Robert & Epstein, Michael H., 2008. "The academic status of children and youth in out-of-home care: A review of the literature," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 30(9), pages 979-994, September.
    5. James, Sigrid & Landsverk, John & Slymen, Donald J., 2004. "Placement movement in out-of-home care: patterns and predictors," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 26(2), pages 185-206, February.
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