Independent living programs and services for youth 'aging out' of care in Canada and the U.S.: A systematic review

Preparedness for adulthood among young adults with histories of out-of-home care

“…Few quotes from participants discussed help related to preparing them to manage their health, mental health and/or housing. It is possible that for the youth who received independent living programs and services (ILPs), this may be a function of ILPs focusing on more tangible life skills, sometimes referred to as ‘hard skills,’ such as employment and career advising, budgeting, cooking, and cleaning (Doucet et al, 2022). Recent critics have called for these programs and services to become more holistic, offering a more in-depth set of supports that include hard skills development and supports focused on enhancing social capital and relationships (Doucet et al, 2022; Lee & Berrick, 2014).…”

“…It is possible that for the youth who received independent living programs and services (ILPs), this may be a function of ILPs focusing on more tangible life skills, sometimes referred to as ‘hard skills,’ such as employment and career advising, budgeting, cooking, and cleaning (Doucet et al, 2022). Recent critics have called for these programs and services to become more holistic, offering a more in-depth set of supports that include hard skills development and supports focused on enhancing social capital and relationships (Doucet et al, 2022; Lee & Berrick, 2014). For those who did not age out of care and receive ILPs, the current study’s findings could relate to the needs of their caregiver(s) who may be struggling in their own ways with housing, education, and healthcare, and therefore find it difficult to support their children in these important areas of adult living.…”

“…A groundswell of research, both theoretical and empirical, has made it clear that emerging adulthood is a critical developmental stage, one that offers individuals an opportunity to explore and be more self-focused (Arnett, 2000; Doucet et al, 2022). The present study suggests, similar to previous research (Munson et al, 2013), that youth involved with public systems of care often are not afforded an opportunity to emerge slowly into adulthood.…”

“…The John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 and The Fostering Transitions to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 have played an important role in enhancing preparation, having led to increased funding for transitional living services, such as a specialized case management program (i.e., LifeSet) and independent living programs. While many states have developed these programs and services, and/or ‘extended care’ for young people beyond age 18, evidence supporting the positive impact of these advancements is mixed (See Doucet et al, 2022; Courtney et al, 2020).…”

Missing the Mark: The Importance of Financial Anxiety in Financial Skills Training for Foster Youth

“…Canadian independent living programming (ILP) may include financial literacy training, but that is not documented in the peer-reviewed literature, nor is the outcome of such training (Doucet et al, 2022). The information on Canadian financial literacy programming that is available in the grey literature focuses on budgeting, banking, credit, debt, and savings (Burgha, 2015;Children's Aid Foundation of Canada, 2022;OACAS, n.d.).…”