Outcomes for Former Foster Youth During the Transition to Independence

What are the outcomes for youth after they age out of the foster care system? What risk and protective factors are associated with these trajectories? What factors predict receipt of independent living services and what are the effects of receipt of those services? To address these questions, researchers will conduct a five-year longitudinal examination of the transition of nearly 800 former foster youth towards independence in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Data collection will include in-person interviews, close-ended interviews, and analyzing state administrative data.