Educational Experiences of Youth in Foster Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Caseworker Perspectives (Poster 10)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 5
  In Poster Session: Impact of COVID-19 on Counseling-Related Topics (San Diego)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in prolonged school closures, the rapid implementation of online learning, physical distancing policies, and restrictions on extracurricular activities, which prevented many vulnerable students from accessing educational support services. This qualitative interview study assessed the pandemic’s impact on the educational experiences of foster youth from the perspectives of their caseworkers. A parallel-serial memoing approach was utilized for the analysis and revealed the following themes: impact on academic progress, social/emotional development, interpersonal relationships, online learning, classroom management, and special education services. Overall, caseworkers were optimistic that the pandemic would not have long-term negative implications, and they noted several positive outcomes resulting from the changes in school operations.

Authors

• Lodi Lipien, University of South Florida

• Flandra Ismajli

• Jennifer R. Wolgemuth, University of South Florida