The following data is self-reported information from our alumni members drawn from two data points -- Survey Monkey responses and completed Member Profiles. These numbers cannot be integrated because some members have completed surveys, some have completed profiles, and some have done both. The range in percentages reflects the lowest percentage to the highest percentage from either data source. FCAA will complete a random sample test in 2009 to get more accurate membership demographic data. Our hypothesis is that the self-reported data skews younger, whiter and more female than the random sample testing will show in 2009.

 

Male                                          52%                                         22-33%
Female                                     48%                                         67-77%

 

As a percentage, there are more children of color in the foster care system than in the general U.S. population. However, child abuse and neglect occur at about the same rate in all racial/ethnic groups. (Note: FCAA member percentages may total more than 100% because members may check all that apply.) The self-reported information from the data sources is:

We only have estimates on the number of youth in care who are sexual minority youth. The studies done in the past indicate that GLBT youth are disproportionatel y represented in care. According to the Lambda Legal report Youth in the Margins, one of every 10 to 20 adolescents in out-of-home care is lesbian or gay, and the National Network of Runaway and Youth Services estimates that 20 to 40 percent of young people who become homeless each year are lesbian, gay or bisexual. FCAA is still working on the means to track our member data reliably, but about 85 people have shown an interest in our GLBT affinity group, some of whom are GLBT and some of whom are allies. FCAA will definitely need to address this lack of data in our 2009 survey.

 

FCAA’s alumni membership shows a strong spread across the generations. However, new member growth is easiest among newly emancipated youth since they are the easiest age group to recruit in groups. This is another area where we need a random sample survey because we are seeing a higher percentage of young people completing profiles and online surveys. From the survey and profile data, we have the following age information. The recent trend in membership is skewing younger due to outreach work targeting college students. 

Average reported age: 33 (survey); 23 (profiles)      

FCAA member reported Range: 18-88