Comprehensive residential education: A promising model for emerging adults in foster care

• We examine a residential education program for high school foster youth.
• Secondary data analyses were conducted on participant outcomes for 478 alumni.
• Safety, significant relationships with adults, and well-being outcomes exceeded national and state standards.
• Positive outcomes were predicted by the amount of time in the program.
• Of the youth 18 years or older, 92% graduated with a high school diploma or GED.

A comprehensive residential education program for high school foster youth (the Academy) is examined as a potential model for emerging adults transitioning from foster care. Analyses of secondary data were conducted on outcomes for 478 alumni who attended the Academy over the past 10 years. Outcome indicators for safety, significant relationships with adults, and well-being exceeded national and state standards and were predicted by Academy programs and the amount of time spent at the Academy. The Academy provides a model of stable, comprehensive care that may help foster youth successfully emerge into adulthood. Study limitations are also discussed.