Voices of Foster Youth

This important book offers unique insight into the experience of foster youths from twenty-three countries around the world. It provides a survey of literature reporting the experiences of youth in care, addressing a wide range of key topics in this multidisciplinary field, and presenting the views and perceptions of these young people.

Dr. Sue D. Hobbs is an associate professor in Child and Adolescent Development at California State University, Sacramento. Ms. Jennifer M. Krebsbach is a behavior analyst and PhD student in Sociology at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Rakel P. Larson is an associate professor of Psychology in the Behavioral Sciences department at Riverside City College. Dr. Christine R. Wells holds a PhD in Social Psychology and is the senior member of the UCLA Statistical Consulting Group. Dr. Karen J. Saywitz was a distinguished developmental and clinical psychologist and professor in the UCLA School of Medicine, Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics for over 25 years.

1. The Importance of Listening to Foster Youth 2. Children's Attitudes and Knowledge of the Foster Care System 3. Youth Involvement in Decisions About Themselves 4. Children's Relationships with Their Social Workers 5. Contact with Birth Families 6. Differences Between Foster and Birth Families 7. Children's Experiences of Transitions into and During Foster Care Placement 8. Challenges and Benefits of Being in Care 9. Mental Health, Well-Being, and Belonging 10. Feeling Different From Others and Sense of Self 11. Summary and Youth Recommendations