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Voices of foster youths: problems and ideas for change.

INTRODUCTION
Foster care youth are innocent victims of both abusive parents and the foster care system that inadequately prepares them to transition to independent living in adulthood.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics leading to a lack of self-sufficiency and economic independence as perceived by foster care youths.


METHOD
This grounded theory study involved structured and unstructured interviews with 16 persons who had aged out of the foster care system and were living independently. Constant comparative analysis of responses to open-ended questions allowed for identifying and coding of emerging themes, and the relationships among categories associated with the foster care experience.


RESULTS
Five major themes emerged from the analysis of the data, including It's From My Past, No Place to Call Home, Broken Promises, The System Failed Us, and Ideas for Change.


CONCLUSIONS
The unique perspectives and observations of foster care youth should serve as the basis for developing policies and programs that can assist in acquiring knowledge and skills critical for their successful transition to independence.