PhD Advances Research to Strengthen Educational Outcomes for Youth in Foster Care

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After more than three decades working in child protection services, including 22 years managing the foster care programme at the Child and Family Welfare Society of Pietermaritzburg, Dr Jothie Perumal brought extensive professional insight to her doctoral research at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

Her PhD study, ‘Factors Affecting Educational Outcomes of Youth in Foster Care: A Comparative Collective Case Study Design’, supervised by Professor Vishanthie Sewpaul and Dr Boitumelo Seepamore, examined the factors affecting educational outcomes for youth growing up in foster care in South Africa. Her research was shaped by a longstanding observation from practice. While some young people in foster care progressed successfully through school and entered tertiary education, others facing similar circumstances struggled to complete their schooling.

“A consistent trend over the years is that while some foster youth achieved positive educational outcomes, others in similar circumstances struggled significantly,” said Perumal. “I wanted to understand what factors made the difference and how support could be improved to promote academic success for all foster youth.”

Her study highlights the importance of social support networks in shaping educational trajectories. Foster parents, educators, peers and social workers all emerged as critical contributors to positive outcomes for young people navigating complex personal and social challenges.

“The comparative case study showed that social support is key to positive educational outcomes for foster youth,” explained Perumal. “Those who progressed to tertiary education also demonstrated strong resilience and motivation, overcoming adversity to build better futures.”

Educational stability remains a particularly important issue for children in foster care settings. Many experience trauma, placement instability and disrupted schooling, factors that can affect academic progress and long-term opportunities.

“Education provides a pathway to independent living, employment, and a more stable future,” she said, emphasising the need for consistent support from foster parents, social workers and educators.

A distinctive feature of her research is its comparative focus. By examining both foster youth who completed matric and accessed tertiary education and those who did not complete school, the study addresses an important gap in South African research on foster care.

“This study is unique in South Africa as it compares foster youth who completed matric and accessed tertiary education with those who did not finish school,” noted Perumal. “It identifies pathways to success and highlights the need for stronger collaboration between social workers, foster parents and educators.”

Working with vulnerable young participants required careful ethical preparation and sensitivity throughout the research process.

“Building trust with youth who had faced trauma required patience and empathy,” she reflected. “Counselling support was pre-arranged for participants who needed it.”

Perumal’s doctoral journey at UKZN strengthened both her analytical approach and her understanding of the structural challenges affecting children in alternative care. Participation in a six-week academic programme at Dortmund University in Germany also enriched her perspective on international approaches to social work practice.

“My supervisors encouraged critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the socio-economic and systemic challenges facing foster youth,” she said.

As she graduates, Perumal plans to continue working in child protection while applying her research findings to strengthen educational support programmes and policy development.

“The findings of this study will be shared with the Department of Social Development and other child protection organisations to encourage improvements in policy and interventions at practice level,” she said.

She also thanked those who contributed to her research journey. “I am deeply grateful to the foster youth, foster parents and social workers who openly shared their experiences, as they are at the heart of this work,” she added.

Words: Lee Rondganger

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini