A transitional housing program for older foster youth: How do youth fare after exiting?

This study is an outcome evaluation of Bay Area Youth Center's Real Alternatives for Adolescents (RAFA) transitional housing program in Hayward, California. Methods: This study examined a sample of 55 youth ages 16 to 21 who lived in the RAFA transitional program between 2007 and 2015. About 96% were in residing in stable housing at follow up, there were low rates of parenting before age 22 (41% of females and 16% of males) when compared with other similar studies, and 86% were employed earning, on average, $15.69 per hour at follow-up. Also, there were lower rates of receipt of SSI, food stamps and TANF income support when compared to foster youth in other studies. Conclusions: In vivo housing experiences in transitional housing programs can lead to successful outcomes for foster youth as they move to adulthood.

Publication Date: 
2018
Publisher(s): 
Children and Youth Services Review