Challenges Faced by Youth Aging out of Foster Care: Homelessness, Education, and Employment

Abstract

Youth out of foster care can face various problems related to
finding a housing, unemployment, low educational attainment or
lack of interpersonal relationships. The aim of the research was to
study the problems of youth out of foster care in Georgia. Within
the qualitative study semi-structured in-depth interviews were
conducted. The findings indicated that youth out of foster care felt
unprepared for life and face some financial, social and
psychological challenges which make the transition to adulthood
more problematic. They have a problem of unstable housing,
employment and community integration. In this critical period of
transition, social workers are responsible for supporting
adolescence. The study identified very low involvement of the
social worker during preparation to age out of foster care. Social
workers must continue to work with young people, help them build
relationships and positive support network. It's recommended to
expand foster care services to the youth with the aims of growing
learning and accommodation stability, and employment services.
Policy makers should consider housing opportunities for youth out
of foster care. Youngsters out of foster care require protective
preparation and planning, which will help adolescents make this
transition into adulthood more flexible.