By Liam Verster

Study of former foster kids in post secondary

U of C Masters student researching former foster kids’ experiences in post secondary

May 17, 2021 | 8:24 AM

Danielle Duska, a Masters student studying Counselling Psychology at the University of Calgary, is researching the experience that former foster kids have in furthering their education.

The study involves collecting information on the experiences and perspectives from foster kids who have transitioned into post secondary.

Duska says she chose to study this topic because former foster kids are rarely the focus of research initiatives.

“[Former foster kids] have been researched, but more in terms of adversity, and unfortunately that is quite common for those that age out of care,” Duska said.

“So with my own experience of post secondary, I’m kind of connecting those pieces. I’m curious about ‘what’s the experience of a former foster youth who transitions into post secondary? What’s that like for them because they come from a very unique context and background?'”

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Duska plans on using the information gathered through this project to write a report, which she hopes to present at the Canadian Psychological Association conference next year.

She says she hopes the information she collects can be used to advocate for the improvement of supports and services for former foster youths.

“My intention for [the study] is to generate some knowledge that will enhance psychological, clinical and community work that’s associated with advocacy, and touches on those stigmas and barriers and offering additional social support for a very vulnerable population.”

Duska adds starting a conversation on this topic is a potentially big step forward.

“A lot of people don’t think about foster youth and youth formerly in foster care unless they’re involved or know someone, but yet it’s very prevalent and unfortunately there is a lot of adversity associated with it.”

Duska began looking for participants for her study in January, and has so far only been able to interview four people who fit her criteria.

However, she has had a lot of response from other former foster kids, and while they don’t qualify for her current study, it has inspired her to continue on this path and continue to research and advocate for improving services.

She plans on becoming a registered psychologist after completing her Masters degree, and will then go back to school, where she will use the information gathered through her study for a PhD dissertation.

Former foster youths between the ages of 18 and 27 currently enrolled in post secondary education can get involved in the study by emailing Duska at diduska@ucalgary.ca.

The survey will involve two interview sessions, each lasting about an hour or two, and participants will receive a $25 gift card for taking part in the study.