School is vital link for youth in foster care

In BC, fewer than 50 per cent of youth leaving foster care graduate high school by their 19th birthday.

Yet a study by researchers with the University of Victoria’s School of Social Work found that 75 per cent of youth from foster care reported feeling connected to school, with several citing it as “the constant” in their lives when home or care was unstable or unsafe. Further, 70 per cent of those who took part in their study said they hoped to finish high school and go on to post-secondary education.  

Given these statistics, UVic researchers Deborah Rutman and Carol Hubberstey identified what they call “a critical social issue” where specific barriers are interfering with these students’ aspirations to get a good education. They also explored what would help youth in care and what actions could be taken to address the current knowledge gap impacting their success in school. 

Their report, released today, Fostering Success: Improving Educational Outcomes for Youth in/from Care, offers insights from those closest to the issue along with 12 action steps toward improving educational outcomes for BC children and youth in care.

“Our research identifies a number of approaches, programs and policies that are making a difference, and we need to build on them,” says Rutman. “This is a complex matter which is not just an education problem or a child welfare problem. It’s a shared responsibility among many stakeholders who are potential allies in taking action toward positive change.”    This research was made possible with funding from the Vancouver Foundation as part of their Fostering Change initiative.

--30--