Economic Well-Being and Independent Living in FosterYouth: Paving the Road to Effective Transitioning out of Care.

Abstract

Using a mixed-methods methodological approach, the proposed study examines the associations between economic well-being and independent living experiences in foster youth. Quantitative data were collected from N = 294 in-care foster youth using the Casey Life Skills assessment (α = .79 to α = .95). Qualitative data were collected via focus groups with aged-out foster youth (N =15). Results provide important insights on youth's economic well-being, financial literacy, individual experiences regarding aging out of foster care and independent living. This study provides new insights into the complex dynamics of successfully transitioning out of foster care and the need for supporting economic well-being in foster youth to better prepare them to live independently and develop coping skills for the challenges they might experience once they leave the system.