Creating Validating Environments for Foster Youth in Higher Education

2025/05/21 by Kenyon Lee Whitman, Maria Espino, Demontea Thompson +1 · 1 voice
Social Sciences · #Child Welfare and Adoption #Early Childhood Education and Development #Youth Development and Social Support

paper · doi:10.1080/19496591.2025.2484808

openalex publication_date 2025/05/21 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28

Abstract

This study engaged with Foster Youth Support Program (FYSP) staff across a university system to develop an understanding of high-impact practices, when supporting foster youth. Findings reveal the importance of advising that validates students’ needs; student-centered social programming; and validating students through humanized measures of student success. Our recommendations inform practice, policy, and future research. We hope this study will be used to encourage greater investment in college campus support programs for foster youth.

Citations

• The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers
• Validating culturally diverse students: Toward a new model of learning and student development
• A practical guide to reflexivity in qualitative research: AMEE Guide No. 149

Discussions

• A new journal from CTS researchers explores how to create validating environments for foster youth in higher ed, building on our past research. Interviews with campus staff highlight high-impact pract [bsky, 1 points, 0 comments]

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• Longitudinal analyses of educational outcomes for youth transitioning out of care in the US: trends and influential factors
• Can Machine Learning Create an Advocate for Foster Youth?