“Everything Sounds Great on Paper”: Drivers of Housing Instability as Youth Transition out of Foster Care

Transition-age youth exiting foster care (TAY) are at high risk for housing instability, with nearly half experiencing homelessness before age 26. Multi-level factors are associated with greater risk, including individual, social, and geographic contexts. This study explored experiences of TAY in a large region of Texas to identify drivers of housing stability during the transition out of care. Youth aged 18–25 who were connected to the region’s foster care transition center were recruited to participate in a mixed-methods, semi-structured interview (n = 25). Youth were prompted to identify networks of up to 20 people who had provided support over the past year. Interview questions explored what happened when youth turned 18, including changes in their housing situations, and delved into relationships with the network members. An iterative coding process was used to create a matrix to examine housing transitions and social supports within and across cases, then identify themes and subthemes. Housing instability was common, with 13 of 25 participants reporting episodes of homelessness after turning 18. Abrupt transitions were driven by systemic factors related to placement settings, strict rules, and a lack of available housing options. Social network data illuminated the close link between housing and the social network, along with the importance of “housing-capable” adults who helped prevent homelessness. Findings call for the development of more youth-friendly housing options for TAY transitioning out of care and interventions that help to build enduring social supports.