Outcomes for foster youth placed at a special residential high school: A quantitative case study

Abstract

The “Academy” was designed to provide a comprehensive residential education program and wrap-around services for foster youth in adolescence, as well as a home base and follow-up support for Academy alumni. This study, the third evaluation of the Academy, addresses how current students and alumni fared at the Academy or after discharge, primarily with respect to their well-being (i.e., their education, positive relationships with adults, and mental health). Also addressed is how the COVID-19 pandemic related to Academy functioning and alumni safe housing. The study participants were 79 (13- to 19-year-olds) current Academy student/residents (in 2020); 101 recent alumni (17- to 28-year-olds) who left the Academy between 2015 and 2019; and 478 alumni (14- to 29-year-olds) who left the Academy between 2002 and 2012.The latter data were from Lawler et al.’s (2014) study. Data were gathered by Academy staff. Complementary and comparison data were drawn from national and state foster care outcome studies. Results indicated that the Academy provided its students with comprehensive residential educational programs and support. The Academy also helped its alumni transition into adulthood. We question if current federal and state policy misses an important opportunity for positive adolescent foster youth development.