Alcohol and Drug Use among Alumni of Foster Care: Decreasing Dependency Through Improvement of Foster Care Experiences

Abstract

The Northwest Foster Care Alumni Study examined the effects of family foster care on adult substance dependencies. The study focused on young adults (N = 479) who were served by a private (Casey Family Programs) or public foster care agency in Washington and Oregon states. This paper describes (1) prevalence rates of alcohol dependence and drug dependence, (2) the relation between risk factors and experiences in foster care and adult substance dependencies, and (3) statistical simulations showing how adult substance dependency rates may be reduced through improvement of the foster care experience. The rate of alcohol dependence within the past 12 months (3.6%) among alumni was not significantly different from that of the general population; the rate of drug dependence within the past 12 months (8.0%) was significantly higher among alumni. Optimization of foster care experiences (i.e., improving care) was associated with significant reductions in the estimated prevalence of these two dependencies.

Rationale for a new direction in foster youth substance use disorder prevention

“…Among foster care alumni, frequent alcohol and substance use is common, with over 11% meeting criteria for alcohol dependence (White, O’Brien, White, Pecora, & Phillips, 2008). Incidence following exit from foster care is high, with an increase of alcohol and substance abuse diagnoses in 11% and 13% of alumni, respectively, within one year of aging out (Courtney et al, 2005), compared to a 1–2% increase in normative emerging adults (SAMHSA, 2009).…”

Exploring the impact of network characteristics on substance use outcomes among homeless former foster youth

“…Substance use rates among older foster youth are high, often higher than in the general public (Braciszewski and Stout 2012;DiClemente et al 2008;Vaughn et al 2007;White et al 2008), as are rates for youth who have transitioned out of foster care (Braciszewski and Stout 2012;Courtney et al 2011;Narendorf and McMillan 2010).…”

Testing a Dynamic Automated Substance Use Intervention Model for Youths Exiting Foster Care

“…In terms of substance use, the picture remains bleak. Estimates of past year Substance Dependence diagnoses range from 3.6% to 8.0%, compared to rates of 0.5 to 0.7% in non-foster populations (Pecora, White, Jackson, & Wiggins, 2009; White, O’Brien, White, Pecora, & Phillips, 2008). Lifetime diagnostic rates are equally concerning, with over 11% meeting criteria for Alcohol Dependence and 21% for Substance Dependence, far higher than rates in the general population estimates (7.1% and 4.5%, respectively; White et al, 2008).…”