Mental Health and Substance Use Problems and Service Utilization by Transition-Age Foster Youth: Early Findings from CalYOUTH

As foster youth leave the care system and enter adulthood, they are much more likely than their peers to have mental health disorders and often use illicit substances. This study explored mental health and substance use disorders in a sample of foster youth in California, along with use of treatment services and psychotropic medication, how youth view these services, and factors that predict service receipt. Findings show the prevalence of these disorders was high in this sample and deserves attention from care providers in child welfare and social work. The memo outlines differences based on demographics and other factors.