Educational Outcomes for Foster Youth in Congregate Care
What Professionals Need to Know
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to share the outcomes from the literature of youth residing in congregate care, commonly referred to as group homes. The outcomes for youth in this placement type need improvement, as evidenced by disproportionalities in education, behavior challenges, mental illness, life skills, and other issues faced by children in foster care. The paper provides recommendations for helping professionals in schools on how to respond to the unique needs of this population. It concludes with a discussion of evidenced-based practices to improve educational outcomes for youth living in congregate care.
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