Youth in transition: an exploratory comparative analysis of outcomes for youth placed in kinship and non-kinship foster homes.

Despite our improved understanding of kinship care, little is known about its benefits and challenges for transition-age youth. This study compared the experiences of youth in kinship and non-kinship foster homes, using data from National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) and Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS). Logistic regression analyses showed that youth in kinship and non-kinship foster homes were similar in educational attainment and risks of homelessness. However, youth in kinship foster homes had higher risks of incarceration. The study observed the significant effect of placement stability for all three outcomes.