Conceptualizing Housing Careers for Vulnerable Youth: Implications for Research and Policy

Research on the experiences of youth leaving foster care as they enter adulthood has identified their risk for homelessness and housing instability. Although this finding has been consistent, it has not received sufficient empirical or conceptual attention. In this article, we (a) review the recent findings on housing outcomes for former foster youth; (b) identify relevant theoretical frameworks to examine housing outcomes for these youth, with specific attention to the concept of housing career; (c) describe existing policy; and (d) propose further strategies for understanding and, therefore, influencing outcomes for this population. Based on this analysis, we conclude with implications for policy, practice, and further research to assist these young people.