| Adolescents who reside within the foster care system are a unique and vulnerable population. More often than not, adolescents who reside within the foster care system are viewed as problematic and challenging. Often times, these individuals are left without mentors, parental role models, and limited access to vital resources. As a result, many of these individuals suffer from mental health issues and medical concerns. Even though this population is sensitive and vulnerable who is in need of services and support, little research has been generated. The objectives of this current study involved the evaluation of socio-demographic factors of adolescent individuals who resided within the foster care system affect their overall quality of life. There was mixed support for this hypothesis), as well as the evaluation of how socio-demographic factors of adolescent individuals, who resided within the foster care system, contributed to high-risk behaviors. There was mixed support for this hypothesis. This study consisted of 101 adolescent participants from Orange County, California; 67 participants were female and 23 participants were male. The participants completed surveys via the Internet. The mean age of the sample was 19.06 years of age. Even though the sample that were collected consisted of the following races: Hispanic/Latinos, Caucasian/Whites, Asian/Pacific-Islanders, African-Americans, Native Indian/Alaskan Natives, the power of the results were focused on adolescent individuals who identified as White or Hispanic/Latino. |
