READINESS FOR INDEPENDENCE - A STUDY OF YOUTH IN FOSTER-CARE

This descriptive research was conducted to better inform policy makers about the characteristics of the population that is eligible for Independent Living skills, in order to better target appropriate interventions. This report reviews data on the skill level and readiness for independence of adolescents who are placed in the substitute care system in Washington State. They have not received specialized Independent Living skills services but are eligible for them. Findings suggest that almost half of the sample exhibit serious behavior problems and one in four utilize multiple service systems. They lag behind in educational attainment, and by the time they emancipate, most of them have experienced employment. Youth are more optimistic about their ability to manage financial resources than their caretakers assess them to be. Youth also perceive relatives and foster parents as ongoing resource people. Remedial training to improve youth's emancipation skills is recommended to better bridge them into adulthood.