Youth who transition from the foster care system may face a higher likelihood of incarceration compared to their peers, studies suggest

March 3, 2026 - Brandon Drain

MSU-led research examines the importance of social support networks for youth transitioning from foster care to adulthood.  

Youth in foster care are a distinct population.  

Many have experienced family instability, which can affect the continuity of their relationships and social connections, said Kune Park, a researcher at Michigan State University’s School of Social Work. 

The life course of young people in foster care can be shaped, in part, by the strength and stability of their social connections, Park continued. 

Weak or disrupted connections with supportive individuals, conventional systems, or widely accepted social values have been associated with a higher likelihood of justice system involvement among youth with foster care experience, said Park. 

“Given the developmental tasks of early adulthood (e.g., pursuing postsecondary education, obtaining employment, securing housing), legal system involvement during the transition to adulthood can present additional challenges and may have lasting implications across the life course,” said Park. 

In her recent study, Park examined the relationship between Social Support Networks (SSNs) and incarceration among youth with foster care experiences as they transition to adulthood. 

An SSN refers to a holistic web of family members, friends, neighbors, and community members who provide emotional, practical, and informational support during times of need. 

For youth in foster care, supportive networks may play a crucial role not only in reducing the likelihood of incarceration, but also in facilitating positive transitions to adulthood. 

Park’s study found that, among different types of social support, emotional support was most strongly associated with a lower likelihood of incarceration. 

“Adequate emotional support was significantly associated with decreased odds of incarceration,” said Park. “This suggests that some forms of social support may be more effective than others in influencing legal system outcomes.” 

The study also found that extended foster care beyond age 18 was associated with lower odds of incarceration, as well as improvements in several early adulthood outcomes. 

This finding underscores the potential value of active outreach and engagement efforts by child welfare professionals to strengthen supportive relationships that can provide comfort, reassurance, and encouragement to youth navigating emotional distress or difficult feelings during this critical transition period, she continued. 

Park also suggests that placement options located near youths’ existing social ties may help reduce disruptions related to foster care placement and maintain supportive relationships. 

“These findings hold implications for the development of targeted interventions and support systems within the field of child welfare and social work,” said Park.