Predictors of Success in a Residential Education Placement for Foster Youths

This study examines factors that contributed to successful outcomes (graduated high school, remained in school, went to a lower level of care, or reunified with parents) for the first 246 residents of a residential education placement. Residential education placements' primary purpose is to provide an educational program rather than mental health treatment. Data were gathered from official records and from intake interview data. Overall about 69 percent of youths had a successful outcome. About two-thirds of study participants had graduated or were still attending school at the end of the study. Youths most likely to be successful were those who were age-grade appropriate on admission and were African American.