Research Studies

Published Research Studies

California's Students in Foster Care: Challenges and Promising Practices (July 2022)

Learning Policy Institute report on school conditions and educational outcomes for California students in foster care using 2018-19 academic year data

California Youth Transitions to Adulthood/CalYOUTH Study (2020)

Legislative Analyst’s Office Report: Narrowing California's K-12 Student Achievement Gaps (January 2020)

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Report: Trends in Foster Care and Adoption (2019)

Fostering Success in Education: National Factsheet on the Educational Outcomes of Children in Foster Care (2014)

Go to "Research & Statistics" at the bottom of the page to download the factsheet

The Invisible Achievement Gap: How the Foster Care Experiences of CA Public School Students Are Associated with Their Education Outcomes Pt. 2 (2014)

The Invisible Achievement Gap: Education Outcomes of Students in Foster Care in CA Public Schools Pt.1 (2013)

At Greater Risk: California Foster Youth and the Path from High School to College (2013)

Journal Articles

The Effects of Placement and School Stability on Academic Growth Trajectories of Students in Foster Care (2018)

Children and Youth Services Review

Educational Stability Policy and the Interplay Between Child Welfare Placements and School Moves (2014)

Children and Youth Services Review

Web Links

National Legal Center for Foster Care & Education

See "Searchable Database"