Older youth leaving the foster care system: Who, what, when, where, and why?

Little research has systematically examined the transition process out of the foster care system for older youth, especially in states where youth can stay past age 18. This study uses mixed-methods data from 404 youth from Missouri, interviewed nine times between ages 17 and 19 to explore five questions. Who exits before age 19 and who stays? When do they exit? Where do they go? What are the circumstances of their exits? Do they want to exit and if so, why? Youth, especially those with externalizing behavior problems, left before they were required, often abruptly and dissatisfied with the foster care system. A large number of youth returned to their biological homes and those that remained in the system often lived in their own apartments. Efforts are needed to make remaining in care tolerable to youth who want to stay and transitioning out of care for those who want to leave a positive, thoughtful experience.