Health literacy in foster care transition planning and barriers to care

Adolescents and young adults formerly in foster care (AYAFC) experience multiple healthcare access challenges during transition to adulthood. This study assessed how gaps in health literacy – the ability to obtain, process, and understand health information – impede transition preparedness and access to healthcare. Focus groups and semi-structured interviews with AYAFC and stakeholders were conducted in North Texas to assess health literacy preparation, healthcare access, and available resources. Four key findings emerged: divergent perceptions of health literacy, missed skill-building opportunities, competing priorities, and structural barriers. Building health literacy skills through youth-centered approaches may help empower AYAFC and reduce gaps in healthcare access.