Date of Award

Spring 3-2-2019

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Abstract

The foster care system is in place to care for the nation’s children that do not have any capable of caring for them. However, foster care can be a hard life when faced with multiple placements, separation from siblings, mental health illnesses and substandard education due to attending multiple schools; these examples are just the tip of the iceberg as to what youth in foster care face. The journey from adolescence to adulthood can be difficult for the most stable child, image this journey for a youth aging out foster care. To support the youth aging out of care Independent Living Programs (ILPs) offer courses to promote and support their independence and ultimately help them avoid homelessness. Unfortunately, a homeless problem does exist among youth aging out of care. This study will examine the ILPs, interview key informants and volunteers, and obtain feedback from the most important people in this process – former and current foster youth currently enrolled an ILP.

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