At the intersection of disability and transitioning to adulthood: service receipt by disability type among youth in foster care

Objective: In the U.S., 53% of transition-age youth (TAY) in foster care have a disability. Many youths with disabilities need tailored support and services to foster their independence, capabilities, and social inclusion during the transition to adulthood. This study examined the association between service receipt and disability type among U.S. youth aging out of foster care. Methods: We analyzed FY 2017 youth service utilization data obtained from the National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) and merged these records with the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS), yielding an analytic sample of 9,353 cases. The NYTD includes youth in foster care in all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, and service use is reported in six-month intervals. We conducted bivariate and multivariate analyses of 11 of the 14 John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program services and special education services by disability type across three time periods (age 16–17, 18–19 and 20–21). Diagnosed disability types included intellectual, sensory, physical, emotional disability, and other medical conditions. Results: Service utilization increased for all TAY in foster care by age 18–19. However, a divergence in service utilization by disability status and type emerged at age 20–21, except for increased use of room and board financial assistance across all disability statuses. Youth with diagnosed disabilities received special education and mentoring services at higher rates than others at ages 16–17, 18–19, and 20–21. TAY in foster care without diagnosed disabilities utilized room and board financial assistance at higher rates than others at ages 16–17, 18–19, and 20–21. At ages 16–17, youth not assessed for disability were more likely to use a wide range of services. In contrast, youth with sensory disabilities were more likely to use a wide range of services at ages 18–19 and 20–21. Conclusion: Examining service utilization among youth in foster care with disabilities is necessary to facilitate positive transitions to adulthood by ensuring equitable access to tailored services that improve outcomes. Study findings show a wide divergence in service receipt from age 18–19 to age 20–21 by disability type. More research is needed to assess the reasons for such divergence.