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Article
Voices of youth in foster care and special education Regarding Their Educational Experiences and Transition to Adulthood
Children and Youth Services Review (2012)
  • A. Del Quest, Portland State University
  • Ann Fullerton, Portland State University
  • Sarah Geenen, Portland State University
  • Laurie E. Powers, Portland State University
Abstract

Very little in-depth information is available on the educational and transition experiences, perceptions, and actions of youth in foster care who are receiving special education services. This paper describes a qualitative study that followed seven youth in foster care receiving special education services, ages 15 to 18, for six to nine months. The youth were interviewed an average of seven times and they were invited to take photographs and make journal entries depicting their lives. The findings documented the complex challenges that youth experience, including educational struggles, difficulty in clarifying their relationships with biological family, and having to make major decisions in the context of uncertainty and inadequate and sometimes restrictive supports and services. Having consistent and committed adult support, knowledge of options and services, and opportunities, skills, and confidence to take positive action toward goals emerged as important themes in the youth's success.

Keywords
  • Foster care -- Institutional,
  • Children with disabilities
Disciplines
Publication Date
September, 2012
Publisher Statement
Copyright (2012) Elsevier
Citation Information
A. Del Quest, Ann Fullerton, Sarah Geenen and Laurie E. Powers. "Voices of youth in foster care and special education Regarding Their Educational Experiences and Transition to Adulthood" Children and Youth Services Review Vol. 34 Iss. 9 (2012)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/laurie_powers/12/