Recent ucla_cts_sfc items

Foster(ing) Youth in the California State University: Understanding the Vital Role of Campus Support Programs

Mon, 6 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study provides an analysis of California State University (CSU)’s campus-based support programs for students with foster care experience. California has long been considered a champion for its support for youth who experience foster care, and is particularly noteworthy in creating campus-based programs to support their postsecondary education. As the largest university system in the U.S., CSU plays an important role in supporting positive life outcomes for students who have experienced foster care, with an estimated annual enrollment of 3,000-3,500 students with foster care history. For this study, we engaged with 23 support program staff members from across the CSU system to develop a deep understanding of high-impact practices, successes, and challenges. Research findings are used to develop actionable recommendations at the campus, system, state, and federal levels. We hope this study will be used to encourage greater investment in college campus support programs for...

Understanding Belongingness, Support, and Perseverance: An Exploratory Study of the Educational Experiences of Foster Youth in California

Mon, 6 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Foster youth in California face systemic barriers that can interfere with their educational success, from K-12 instability to college challenges, with graduation rates and college enrollment far below state averages. In this study, our research team partnered with young leaders with foster care experience from California Youth Connection to center their lived experiences and answer the following research questions: How did foster youth experience the foster care system? What were the high school experiences of foster youth? What were the college-going experiences of foster youth? Learn more on the CTS website.

School Instability Among Foster Youth in Los Angeles County: Risk Factors and Perspectives of the County’s Transportation Initiative

Fri, 6 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Study’s Purpose:Highly Mobile Youth (HMY)—including students experiencing homelessness, foster care involvement, migratory status, and participation in the juvenile legal system—represent some of the most underserved populations in the U.S. These young people often face instability that disrupts schooling, limits access to supportive relationships, and contributes to poor educational and health outcomes. This brief provides an overview of the characteristics, challenges, and intersecting risk factors that shape the experiences of HMY, with attention to structural inequities and systemic barriers that contribute to their disproportionate representation among marginalized groups.

Research Methods:This report synthesizes publicly available national datasets and existing literature to analyze trends in HMY populations. Data sources include federal education, child welfare, and juvenile justice statistics from 2013–2022. The study examines demographic characteristics (e.g.,...