Purpose

In this Exploration and Discovery study, our team of experts in the employment of transition-age youth with disabilities and child welfare is uniquely positioned to apply an intersectional lens to improve the transition to work for youth with disabilities who age out of foster care. Our proposed steps are to (a) conduct two scoping reviews that synthesize the literature on key practices targeting the transition to work, noting how disabilities and other identities are addressed in this work; (b) develop a series of case studies of (1) older youth with disabilities in foster care, (2) service providers, and (3) relative and non-relative foster care parents; and (c) advance a theoretical model for disseminating employment guidance to young people and those who support them.

Overview

Our study will address eight objectives (see below). In Phase 1, we will conduct two scoping literature reviews (Objectives 1 & 2). As so little attention has been given to work for this population, our goal is to understand what is known about the needs of this group concerning employment. In Phase 2, we will complete interviews with foster youth, service providers, and caregivers to capture their perspectives (Objectives 3 & 4). In Phase 3, we will (a) develop a theoretical model for guiding future work/research and (b) incorporate feedback from youth and those who support them (Objective 5). We will create two research briefs: one for foster youth and one for caregivers and service providers (Objectives 6 & 7). We also aim to use participatory action research (PAR) with foster youth with disabilities to develop employment interventions based on their needs and experiences.

Objectives

1. Conduct two scoping reviews on the transition to adulthood and work for youth with disabilities in foster care that account for unique barriers.
2. Review literature to understand (PAR) approaches.
3. Conduct interviews with foster youth, service providers, and caregivers to understand their perspectives and experiences.
4. Identify factors that impact the transition to work for foster youth with disabilities (from reviewed literature and the voices of disabled youth).
5. Identify practices and resources associated with employment.
6. Develop a research brief with and for foster youth with disabilities.
7. Develop a research brief for private and state agencies (e.g., welfare, vocational rehabilitation), drawing from trauma-informed practices.
8. Identify steps for conducting PAR with foster youth with disabilities.