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Research out of Michigan suggests one key factor may help keep foster youths out of the justice system as they transition into adulthood.

The study followed more than 600 youths, tracking their development from age 17 to 21, and found that those with strong support systems were less likely to face legal troubles.

When researchers broke down different types of support, said Keunhye Park, an assistant professor of social work at Michigan State University and lead author of the study, one stood out above the rest.

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"When it comes to incarceration and justice involvement, emotional support was the key," Park said. "So in other words, it's not just about having support, it's about having meaningful, stable relationships."

Youths who regularly received quality advice and guidance were similarly less likely to end up incarcerated. Park noted that the findings point to a connection, not a clear cause, and more research is in the works.

The study also links instability to higher incarceration rates for foster youths. Dylan White, 25, who grew up in Michigan's foster-care system, said that was his experience – bouncing between homes and, later, in and out of the justice system.

"I got kicked out of so many homes and shelters," White said. "I've been all around Michigan. I mean, it was a crazy time in my life. I was just, you know... I was free falling, for real."

Although White didn't find a permanent family in the traditional sense, he said a turning point came through the people in his life who truly cared.

"I was just raised by the people around me," White said. "I'm thankful for them because if it wasn't for them, I could be in a lot worse spots. I know people who are, so."

Researchers say the next step in the study is understanding how institutions and public policies can better support foster youths during the critical transition to adulthood.