This study examines foster care experiences and adult functioning of 65 alumni (ages 23–24) of Michigan foster care, using data from case records and in-person interviews. Results indicate that Michigan foster care alumni had similar or worse outcomes than their peers in other alumni studies, and significantly worse outcomes than their peers in the general population in the areas of mental health, substance dependence, and education. More research is needed to understand this transitional period for youth leaving foster care and to determine which evidence-supported interventions lead to their success as adults.
