Â鶹¾«Ñ¡

Doctoral Dissertation Defense
of
Danielle D. Green-Welch

For the degree of

Doctor of Education
Interprofessional Leadership – Curriculum & Instruction

Fostering Bridges: A Narrative Study of the Educational Experiences of Former Foster Youth

March 24, 2026
8:30 a.m. EST
White Hall 408, Â鶹¾«Ñ¡

Fostering Bridges: A Narrative Study of the Educational Experiences of Former Foster Youth

Youth impacted by the foster care system experience persistent educational instability, yet graduation metrics often obscure deeper questions of academic readiness and long-term outcomes. This dissertation in practice employed a qualitative narrative methodology to examine how former foster youth perceived the educational resources and supports available to them during high school and how those supports influenced on-time graduation. Through in-depth interviews with three former foster youth and members of their support networks, this study explored the intersection of school-based services, child welfare involvement, placement stability and relational support. Findings revealed that while participants achieved on-time graduation, their experiences were shaped by inconsistent instructional continuity, varying levels of caregiver advocacy, limited cross-system communication and uneven implementation of trauma-responsive practices. Graduation often represented procedural completion rather than full academic preparedness, with some participants encountering significant remediation in postsecondary settings. At the same time, stable placements, engaged caregivers and intentional mentorship emerged as protective factors that supported persistence. Implications for practice include strengthening cross-system coordination between education and child welfare agencies, embedding trauma-informed approaches within academic environments and expanding definitions of educational success beyond graduation benchmarks. This study contributes systems-level insight aligned with CPED principles, emphasizing institutional responsibility, equity and sustainable reform to support foster youth toward durable developmental outcomes.