Journal of Student Research 2023

Journal of Student Research 28 While the researchers were able to capture experiences from a racially diverse sample, one limitation of the study was that we did not ask about the race/ethnicity of foster family members and parents. Future research should consider the ways in which racism impacts the fostering process as there is a long-standing history of racism in the foster care system, with a significant over-representation of Black and Native American populations in the foster and child welfare system (Cross, 2008). Due to the monetary incentive provided in this study after the initial three weeks of data recruitment ($25 Amazon gift cards), it is possible that participants were more motivated to participate compared to earlier within the data recruitment stage. Conclusion This study provides insight into the experiences of college students with foster care histories with regard to their foster family environment, perceptions of support, and mental health and well-being. Largely, responses from participants were less favorable when asked about their foster family environment. Participants’ responses to mental health symptoms were more moderate compared with scores that may be interpreted as more severe. When former foster youth were asked with whom they could identify as support systems in their lives, the responses ranged from family members, friends, romantic or sexual partners, and extended family. We hope this study is acknowledged by educators, social service workers, family members (foster, chosen, biological), and others, to bring awareness to former foster youth and the factors that may hinder or help their education path.