Foster Care Alumni Experiencing Homelessness: Associations Between Living Situation and Illegal High-Risk Income Generation

• In Event: Programs and Policies to Support Families Experiencing Challenge

Abstract

Background

Youth who have “aged out” of the child welfare system often face extraordinary hardships upon exiting the system, across multiple interpersonal and independent living domains. Although myriad improvements at state, local, and federal levels have bolstered the provision of interventions for this population, acquiring permanent, stable housing remains a chief concern. Moreover, housing instability exacerbates their precarious employment situations. This study examined (1) sources of income among foster care alumni experiencing homelessness and (2) the connection between their living circumstances and engagement in illegal income generation.

Methods

This study used data from a 7-city cross-sectional sample of over 1,400 youth experiencing homelessness between 2016 and 2018. Data were restricted to youth with prior foster care involvement who were not missing any covariates (n=460) (Table 1). Descriptive statistics showed primary sources of past year income generation. A multivariate linear regression model tested the association between current living conditions and type of foster care exit with past year engagement in risky illegal (or legally regulated) income generation (measured as a continuous variable with higher values reflecting greater diversity of income sources). Demographic, homelessness history, mental health, and violence exposure-related control variables were added to the model in stages (Table 2).

Results

The descriptive statistics for the sample indicated the most common sources of past year income were agency/program support, friends, and paid temporary work. Two-thirds of youth had lifetime homelessness durations over one year. Approximately 72% had been diagnosed with a behavioral health disorder. Over one-third were currently sleeping outside and nearly half were staying in a shelter/institution. Many engaged in dangerous and illegal methods of income generation, including dealing drugs (30%), trading sex (19.6%), and stealing (32.4%). Regression results showed an association between current sleeping conditions and illegal income generation. Couch surfing was associated with more sources of illegal income (B=0.4, t=2.02, p<0.05), compared to those sleeping outside, controlling for relevant characteristics. Youth with more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were engaged in more illegal income behaviors compared to those with fewer/no ACEs (B=0.57, t=2.25, p<0.05). Youth experiencing PTSD engaged in more risky income generation (B=0.56, t=3.45, p<0.001). Finally, youth whose first homeless experience occurred later in life (19+ years) engaged in fewer illegal income behaviors (B=-0.8, t=-2.14, p<0.05).

Discussion

Our findings suggest that more negative living circumstances produce greater risk of illegal income generation as a means of survival for this population. Engagement in illegal activities to acquire money and resources can have serious consequences on youth’s psychological, emotional, and social development. These illegal activities expose youth to further victimization and violence while increasing their risk of developing an arrest history and further limiting their capacity to access sufficient legal sources of income; they also expose youth to serious physical and psychological harm. Results will be discussed in the context of research explorations about why youth with child welfare histories engage in risky income generation, how often they engage in different risky forms, and factors promoting safe and stable sources of income, especially in the context of experiencing homelessness.

Group Authors

REALYST Collaborative

Authors

• Jordan Marie Goodwin, Rutgers University - New Brunswick
  Presenting Author

• Cassandra A Simmel, Rutgers University - New Brunswick