Abstract
A case study approach was utilized to investigate individually and as a group, the aging out process of nine sexual minority adults, specifically, lesbian, gay and transgender (LGT) adults who transitioned from a Mid-Atlantic foster care system to adulthood. The study investigated the preparation received prior to these young adults aging out of foster care and addressed the role that they perceived their sexual orientation or gender expression played in their process of aging out of foster care to adulthood. In addition, the study examined their current housing, employment, and education. Although past research has increased awareness into the challenges suffered by LGBT youth in foster care, few researchers have explored what happens specifically to lesbian, gay and transgender young adults after they depart foster care. The theoretical foundation of this research was based on three theories and perspectives relating to the development of adolescents into adulthood: ecological systems theory, transition framework theory, and emerging adulthood theory. Five themes emerged explaining the process of aging out of foster care; overcoming rejection and loss, the influence of adult support, benefiting from resources, self-acceptance and transitioning out of foster care. The participants in the study had to find ways to replace the support system that most young adults have with their parents; they found useful programs to help with aging out of foster care; they had to come to terms with their gender identities and sexual orientations; and they had to accept aging out of foster care. Overall, 100% of the participants earned a high school diploma or GED and four out of the nine participants were enrolled in college. Eighty-eight percent of the participants were gainfully employed and more than half of the participants aged out to their own apartment.
For more information, or to access this article, please click the link above.