Independent-Living Services: The Views of Former Foster Youth

Abstract

Former consumers of independent-living programs for youth in out-of-home care present their views of the services they received. The youth found that skills classes and stipends for independent living were helpful, that instruction in managing a budget was particularly valuable, and that the services lessened the stigmatization and isolation of being in care. Foster parents and specialized independent-living workers eased the transition out of care, but regular public child welfare caseworkers were not helpful in this regard. The young people report that being in care was difficult to tolerate and that the transition out of care was often abrupt and difficult to manage.