Emerging Adulthood and Leaving Foster Care: Settings Associated with Mental Health

Abstract

The present study examined the role of contextual support on mental health during the transition to adulthood within a vulnerable group, adolescents leaving foster care because of their age. Participants were 265 19- to 23-year-olds who retrospectively reported on 3 main contexts of emerging adulthood: housing security, educational achievement, and employment attainment in the first 2 years after leaving foster care. Mental health measured self-reported emotional distress, substance abuse, and deviancy at the time of interview. Growth Mixture Modeling empirically identified 3 latent trajectory classes. Stable-Engaged (41%) experienced secure housing and increasing connections to education and employment over time. Stable-Disengaged (30%) maintained housing but reported decreasing rates of education and small increases in employment. Instable-Disengaged (29%) experienced chronic housing instability, declined connection to education, and failed to attain employment. Stable-Engaged and Stable-Disengaged classes reported better mental health compared to the Instable-Disengaged class, indicating the importance of housing in transitioning to adulthood.

Young People in, and Transitioning from, Out-of-home Care and their Mental Health Issues: A Call for Evidence

“…Such findings are reflected in studies that have attempted to capture the heterogeneity of care leavers' experiences by describing various types or classes of care leavers. Despite the differences across these studies, each identified a particular subgroup of care leavers with the most disrupted care experiences, the highest prevalence of mental health conditions, significant social isolation and the worst post-care outcomes (Fowler et al, 2011;Keller et al, 2007;Stein, 2006). …”

“…Children and young people who have been placed in care for behavioural reasons (e.g., delinquency or substance abuse) have been found to have poorer mental health outcomes than those placed due to abuse and neglect (Vinnerljung & Sallnäs, 2008); however, this does not preclude the possibility that such young people have also experienced adverse childhood events. Additionally, children and young people who experience lower placement stability (Barth et al, 2007;Fechter-Leggett & O'Brien, 2010;Ford et al, 2007;Fowler, Toro, & Miles, 2011), those who experience residential care placements (Akister et al, 2010;McMillen et al, 2005;Tarren-Sweeney, 2008a) and young people exposed to maltreatment in care (FechterLeggett & O'Brien, 2010) are also more likely to experience mental health issues. It is important to note that these are not necessarily causative factors, rather that they are likely to be inter-related and reinforcing in relation to their impact on mental health.…”

“…However, it remains unclear whether such factors contribute to wellbeing, or if those care leavers experiencing greater wellbeing are more able to access such supports and resources. Nonetheless, it is evident that care leavers with mental health, emotional and behavioural issues, in addition to having the most unstable in-care experiences (Fechter-Leggett & O'Brien, 2010;Fowler et al, 2011;Hannon et al, 2010), tend to be vulnerable to poor post-care outcomes, particularly homelessness and lower engagement in education and employment (Brown & Wilderson, 2010;Dixon, 2008;Dixon et al, 2006;Dumaret, Donati, & Crost, 2011;Fowler et al, 2011;Keller, Cusick, & Courtney, 2007;Stein, 2006;White et al, 2011). Such findings are reflected in studies that have attempted to capture the heterogeneity of care leavers' experiences by describing various types or classes of care leavers.…”

Mental Health Beliefs and Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Services in Youth Aging out of Foster Care

“…7,8 Transition difficulties for youth aging out of foster care are further exacerbated by limited financial resources and few personal and family connections. 9 The available evidence indicates multiple challenges to mental health care transitions among youth aging out of foster care, and suggests the importance of transition planning, continuous insurance coverage, and community supports for education, employment, and housing. 10 Effective since January 2014, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes a provision that all youth in foster care, on or after their 18th birthday, are eligible for Medicaid until 26 years old.…”

“…Identified themes underscore that mental health care transitions for youth aging out of foster care must be addressed in concert with other key transition needs, including education supports, employment skills, and housing stability. 5,9,10 As youth struggle to grapple with transitions and loss of previous support systems, findings indicate that personal psychosocial supports and formal community-based transitional supports are necessary to promote mental health and overall well-being. 13,32 Providing youth with clear information on Medicaid eligibility and enrollment is essential.…”