Flourishing After Foster Care: Examining Factors Affecting Flourishing in Transition Age Youth in the United States

Abstract

It is often unclear what leads to long term success for young adults that spent time in foster care. In this study we examined individual and systemic factors, including time in foster care, involvement in leadership programs, and health insurance coverage, seeking their impact on flourishing. Drawing on a national sample of 379 young adults that spent time in foster care, the survey examined individual and systemic factors that could increase flourishing in early adulthood. Study results reveal that Transitional Age Youth (TAY) who spent time in foster care experience significantly less flourishing compared to the general population (t = − 12.85, df = 337, p < 0.001). Additionally, sexual and gender minority youth within the foster care system report lower levels of flourishing than their heterosexual peers (t(336) = 13.1, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis indicates that flourishing is negatively impacted by race, with African American TAY experiencing significantly lower flourishing (β = − 0.52, p < 0.01), and by sexual orientation, with sexual minority youth also reporting reduced flourishing (β = − 2.26, p < 0.001). Moreover, the length of time in foster care, particularly for those who spent 16–18 years in care, was associated with decreased flourishing (β = − 1.65, p < 0.01). Health insurance emerged as the only positive factor, significantly enhancing flourishing outcomes (β = 1.41, p < 0.001). This study contributes to a better understanding of disparities for marginalized populations, emphasizing the critical role of access to healthcare services in promoting flourishing among vulnerable young adults.