Racial and ethnic differences in the outcomes of former foster youth

This paper uses data from two studies, the Midwest Evaluation of the Adult Functioning of Former Foster Youth and the Northwest Foster Care Alumni Study, to examine whether there are racial or ethnic differences in foster youth outcomes and, if so, whether those differences can be explained by factors other than race or ethnicity, such as differences in family background or placement history. We find that racial or ethnic differences in outcomes are more the exception than the rule, and that some of those differences can be explained by other factors. Others mirror racial or ethnic differences observed in the general population.