The Developmental Implications of Extended Foster Care for Sexual Minority Youth

Abstract Sexual minority youth (SMY) transitioning from foster care tend to experience worse outcomes in early adulthood compared to their heterosexual peers. Extended foster care provides crucial services and resources that may improve well-being for SMY transitioning from care. Using data from the longitudinal California Youth Transitions to Adulthood study (CalYOUTH; n = 616), this paper examines relationships between sexual minority status and key outcomes in early adulthood and tests whether these relationships are moderated by extended foster care participation. Bivariate analyses revealed significant variations in young adult outcomes by sexual minority status and extended foster care participation. After accounting for youth and foster care characteristics, linear probability models showed that extended foster care participation significantly increased the probability of postsecondary enrollment, regardless of sexual minority status. Extended foster care participation was associated with higher employment rates, greater housing security, and lower incarceration rates, but only for heterosexual youth. Extended foster care did not lower the probability of SMY having a behavioral health disorder or experiencing economic hardship. This study identifies domains where extended foster care improves SMY well-being and highlights areas of ongoing need. Study findings have implications for future research and policy solutions supporting the well-being of SMY leaving care.