ABSTRACT

Substance Use and Addiction Problems in Foster Youth: Foster youth are often exposed to settings disproportionately high in abuse, neglect, and parental substance use, among other factors known to impact adolescent drug and alcohol use. Indeed, foster youth evidence significantly higher rates of substance use compared to their same-aged peers. However, comprehensive knowledge about foster youth substance use is limited and several barriers to accurate data collection have been identified. This chapter presents an overview of the extant literature on substance use among foster youth, applies a theoretical framework from which to understand foster youth substance use, describes an intervention designed by former foster youth to address substance misuse, and advises on specific steps that the child welfare system, clinicians, and researchers can take to bridge the gap between knowledge and service.