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Youth In Foster Care Study

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The purpose of this study to identify a preventive notion to improve high school graduation rates among children in foster care. An innovative therapeutic mentoring program that will not only decrease the chances of foster youth dropping out of high school, but it will also increase the chances of them furthering their education. According to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System there are over 400,000 children in foster care (AFCARS, 2010). The high school graduation rate among youth in foster care is relatively low, and youth in foster care are less likely to graduate from high school compared to their peers (Day, et al., 2012). In a national foster care study 54% of youth that participated in the study finished high …show more content…

In addition to the lack of education attainment among youth in foster care, youth in foster care face a number of different challenges and obstacles. Research suggests that youth in foster care are more likely to be unemployed, and underemployment (Courtney, et al., 2010). In Illinois alone, 30% of former foster youth are unemployed (Harris, et al., 2009). The lack of education attainment can be problematic for youth when they try to seek employment (Courtney, et al., …show more content…

A protective factor for youth as they approach aging out of care is establishing a social support system (McDonald, 2013). Youth in foster care need mentors in their lives. Research indicates and I quote, “The consistent, enduring presence of a caring adult in a young person’s life can be the difference between staying in school or dropping out, making healthy decisions or engaging in risky behaviors, and realizing one’s potential or failing to achieve one’s dreams.” (Bruce, & Bridgeland, 2014) “Mentors can make a profound difference in the lives of their mentees, which can ultimately strengthen our communities, economy, and country.” (Bruce, & Bridgeland, 2014) According to the National Mentoring Effect, which is a national survey on the topic of mentoring for young people, the survey found that youth that had mentors in their lives set higher educational goals and are more likely to attend college compared to their peers who did not have mentors. (Bruce, & Bridgeland, 2014)
Research suggests that mentoring can have positive effects for at risk youth in foster care. (Osterling, 2006) In addition, research indicates that mentors provide youth with a vital emotional connection. (Osterling, 2006) Mentoring programs are very important, because they provide youth with not only a long lasting emotional relationship, but guidance. Mentoring

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