Honors Theses
Date of Award
Spring 5-9-2020
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Public Policy Leadership
First Advisor
Melissa Bass
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to find and evaluate different programs aimed at
supporting older youth in foster care. This population of youth could be those in
high school and extends to youth who have aged out of the foster care system.
Through the evaluation of the selected programs based on a set of characteristics,
the study provides a policy recommendation for the state of Mississippi to begin to
better the lives of Mississippi foster youth. The methodology of this study is
qualitative and literature-based. Data was gathered from websites and other
published articles of the selected programs and compared to a researched list of
services that are necessary in meeting the most critical needs of this population.
The study found three programs that offered services with a high number of these
characteristics and also showed evidence of success for their participants. These
programs include Just In Time, Youth Villages-LifeSet, and First Place For Youth.
Based on these findings, I recommend Mississippi’s foster program should include
services related to mental health support, mentorship, independent living skills,
housing assistance, and provision of emergency needs. By consolidating services
to one major program and using a team of specialists approach, the needs of youth
aging out of the foster care system in Mississippi can be better met, and improved
outcomes for their futures can be achieved.
Recommended Citation
Glaze, Caroline, "Foster a Better Future: A Comparative Analysis of Foster Care Programs for Transition-Age Foster Youth and a Recommendation for the State of Mississippi" (2020). Honors Theses. 1546.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/1546
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