Feb 4 2008
A new study reports evidence that mentoring relationships with non-parental adults promote positive outcomes for young people in foster care.
In the study, “Youth in Foster Care With Adult Mentors During Adolescence Have Improved Adult Outcomes,” 310 youth were assessed, including 160 mentored and 150 non-mentored youth.
Demographic characteristics were similar in both groups.
Results showed that in their late teens and early 20s mentored youth were more likely to report very good or excellent health and were less likely to report suicidal thoughts, a recent sexually transmitted infection or that they had hurt someone in a fight during the past year.
Study authors suggest these results should be confirmed with additional studies. They also recommend that interventions to support and cultivate mentoring relationships for youth in foster care be explored as a strategy for improving their adult outcomes.