Youth In Care
The Florida Institute for Child Welfare previously identified that youth in and transitioning out of the child welfare system feel powerless within the system. Youth in care are a population at very high risk of experiencing adverse outcomes, including a substantially higher probability of teen pregnancy and early parenting. The risks associated with pregnant foster and former foster youth include increased rates of dropping out of school, poverty, mental health issues, and unemployment.
The Institute has engaged in rigorous research and evaluation to examine the conditions of group care residential facilities to measure the quality, practices, and safety of youth in care. The Group Care Quality Standards Assessment developed by the Institute's faculty affiliate, Dr. Boel-Studt, and collaborators has been implemented in evaluation statewide to measure residential care quality. With findings that provide valid representations of quality when using the tool, the Institute has identified areas of need and it will provide further findings by July 2022.
Quick Facts
Youth in the foster care system were two and a half times more likely to experience pregnancy by age 19, which is twice that of the national sample of youth of similar racial backgrounds who were not involved in the foster care system.
To address the significant needs of youth experiencing pregnancy or early parenting, the Institute and its affiliates produced two Brieflits with information addressing teen pregnancy and early parenting. These Brieflits are available in the Resource Library and provide current information on the best practices for youth pregnancy and prevention.
