Experiences of Abuse: Homeless Former Foster Youth and Their Experiences of Abuse in Out-of-Home Care

Research has indicated that youth exiting foster care experience a wide range of risk factors, some of which result from extensive abuse histories. Self-reported abuse in out-of-home care placement has been largely unexamined, and no studies have assessed the experiences of abuse among homeless youth with histories of care. This study seeks to explore the prevalence of abuse and any associations it may have with other aspects of foster care placement. Quantitative data were collected from 184 homeless former foster youth at a drop-in center in Hollywood, California, using. Dichotomous questions pertaining to abuse within foster homes, group homes, and kinship care were asked, including experience with physical/sexual abuse by a foster parent, physical/sexual abuse by a foster sibling, and verbal abuse more generally. Frequencies and correlations were conducted. Relatively high frequencies of youth reported having experienced abuse in foster care, with significant negative correlations between number of foster care placements and age at first foster care placement for most types of abuse and positive associations between time in foster care and most types of abuse. Overall, high numbers of youth in out-of-home care report abuse experiences. Positive correlations exist between time spent in foster care with abuse in foster homes and group homes. This may result from abuse occurring in placements where youth are spending longer periods, and foster youth are spending longer periods with foster families, group home residents and staff. Implications for abuse reporting and policy change are discussed.