Sources of resiliency among successful foster youth

In this study, 44 young adults who were removed from their biological parents as children responded to survey questions about the internal and external resources that helped them to “beat the odds” and, unlike most foster youth, complete a post-secondary educational program or achieve at least junior standing in a four-year institution. The results indicated that the majority of these youth acknowledge the presence of a variety of protective factors, including a sense of competence, goals for the future, social support, and involvement in community service activities. Implications for the improvement of foster youth services include the enhancement of programs that nourish supportive relationships with caring adults and enable youth to positively contribute by helping others.