Employment Outcomes of Young People Aging out of Foster Care: Past Research and Future Directions

Introduction Four decades after federal independent living policy provided a roadmap for strengthening the financial independence of young people aging out of foster care, studies find too many experience high rates of unemployment, unstable work histories, and low earnings in adulthood (Goerge et al., 2002; Dworsky, 2005). While factors such as past work experience, extended foster care, receipt of independent living services, education, and system collaborations are associated with better employment outcomes (Courtney et al., 2018; Okpych & Courtney, 2014), the evidence required to scaffold strong pathways to employment has lagged behind other areas (e.g., education). To respond to this gap, this study reviewed past research on employment to identify implications for future research.

Methods The framework recommended by Colquhoun et al., (2014) was followed for (1) identifying research questions, (2) identifying relevant studies, (3) selecting studies, (4) charting data, (5) collating, summarizing, reporting results, and (6) consulting with key stakeholders. Six databases were searched, resulting in 159 articles. Of these, 30 studies met inclusion criteria, and 14 were included. Reference reviews, google searches for unpublished reports, and consultation with key stakeholders resulted in the inclusion of 10 additional studies. The final articles were coded for information about employment outcomes, earnings, and receipt of employment services.

Results A total of 25 studies met study inclusion criteria. Results were displayed in tables by research method, which included 15 cross-sectional studies, 4 longitudinal studies, and 6 linked administrative data studies. The most consistently reported outcomes were: (1) ever worked and (2) currently working. In the cross-sectional studies, rates of ever working at exit from care ranged from a low of 63% (McMillen & Tucker, 1999) to a high of 100% (Scannapieco et al., 1995). Rates of currently working ranged from a low of 25% among 17 to 21-year-olds (Yates & Grey, 2012) to a high of 90% among 25 to 34-year-olds (Pecora et al., 2003). The four longitudinal studies showcased patterns, with rates of ever working increasing over time and rates of ever working increasing in three out of four studies (Courtney et al., 2001; Courtney et al., 2011; Courtney et al., 2004-2011; Courtney et al., 2014-2022). At age 23, the rate of currently working ranged from 52% (Courtney et al., 2010) to 59% (Courtney et al., 2022), which is lower than same aged peers. Across the administrative data studies, mean earnings were low.

Discussion & Implications This scoping review identified 25 studies reporting on two main outcomes: (1) ever working and (2) currently working. Limited information about employment coupled with study limitations suggest a need for future research to explore employment experiences earlier and in greater depth. Past studies set out to gather evidence about a range of adult outcomes, build a case for federal investment/a safety net. The time has come to ask and answer a different set of questions having to do with how child welfare systems facilitate employment skills alongside education, tailor independent living services to accommodate for a high prevalence of disabling conditions, and coordinate across systems.