Foster Youth Research Articles

Personal advisers build strong relationships with care leavers in Oldham

Personal advisers build strong relationships with care leavers in Oldham

Leaving Care

Care-experienced young people can face greater challenges than their peers when living independently. Local authorities must work to prepare care leavers and put in place the right support for them to flourish

Practice examples: Website helps care leavers compare councils' support

Practice examples: Website helps care leavers compare councils' support

Research evidence: Understanding and better meeting the needs of care leavers

Research evidence: Understanding and better meeting the needs of care leavers

3.69 Telemental Health Service Utilization Among Foster/Adopted Youth: An Examination of Race and Gender

Youth with foster care experience are at a higher risk for developing psychopathology and experience greater rates of mental health disorders. Despite this, these youth are not accessing services at a rate consistent with their mental health needs (eg, Burns et al, 2004; Stahmer et al, 2005). Past research shows inequity in access to and utilization of mental health services based on race (Lipson et al, 2018) and gender (Milner et al, 2020), and little is known about these disparities among foster youth.

1.111 Substance Use and Trauma in Pregnant and Parenting Foster Youth

This project aims to assess how trauma, evaluated by mental health diagnoses, life events, and involvement in child welfare, influences risk for substance use in pregnant/parenting foster youth. We also examine the relationship between psychiatric engagement (hospitalization, medication adherence) and substance use risks, as well as participants’ parenting attitudes and risks for child maltreatment.

Adverse and traumatic exposures, posttraumatic stress disorder, telomere length, and hair cortisol – Exploring associations in a high-risk sample of young adult residential care leavers

BackgroundChildhood adversities (CAs), potentially traumatic exposures (PTEs), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are known to increase the risk for poor health outcomes, including diseases of aging and early mortality. Telomere length (TL) and hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) are biomarkers known to be associated with CA and PTEs, and PTSD, but there is considerable heterogeneity in findings. ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate the association of CAs, PTEs, and PTSD with TL and HCC in a high-risk sample of young adults who were previously placed in youth residential care institutions throughout Switzerland. MethodOur sample includes 130 participants (30.8% women, M Age = 26.5 ± 3.7 years) with previous youth residential care placements (MPlacements= 3.9). CAs and PTEs, as well as PTSD, were assessed with self-reported questionnaires and semi-structured clinical interviews. Immune cell TL was measured with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in whole blood. Hair samples were collected for HCC measurement and assayed with high-sensitivity ELISA. Multivariate regression models were fitted to describe the associations between CAs, PTEs, and PTSD with TL and HCC, adjusting for covariates. ResultsIn our high-risk sample, a higher burden of CAs, PTEs, Criterion A trauma, and PTSD was associated with longer TL. PTEs, Criterion A trauma, and PTSD were associated with lower HCC, however no significant associations between CAs and HCC were found. The magnitude of these effects varied depending on the dimensional or categorical nature of the stress-phenotype and the specific measure used. ConclusionsOur findings are in contrast with many, but not all, previous studies of associations between adversity and both TL and HCC. For instance, our findings are in line with other studies that find a state of hypocortisolism in PTSD. Better measurement of adversities and trauma, multisystem biomarker approaches, and more research in larger high-risk samples at the upper end of the adversity-continuum is warranted.

‘Disability is not a word we use’: Social workers' professional judgements about support for disabled young people leaving care

Disabled young people leaving care often experience a more complex transition to adulthood than other youths. Still, policy and services can fail to recognize the intersection between a young person's care experiences and disability. Drawing on data from a qualitative interview study with 14 social workers who work with aftercare in the Norwegian child welfare services, we investigate social workers' professional judgements about support for this subgroup of the leaving care population. Our analysis uses the theoretical construct of institutional logics and shows that social workers did not include concepts of disability in their judgements about support for these young people. Instead, the social workers' considerations were guided by three other organizing principles: a ‘medical logic’, an ‘activation logic’ and an ‘aftercare logic’. We discuss these findings in light of critical disability studies and argue for a more nuanced understanding of disability in social work practice with care leavers. Highlighting disability rights and going beyond diagnosis and categorisations of disabled people can challenge a medical model approach to service provision.

Sexual identity development and sexual well-being: differences between racial/ethnic minority and non-racial/ethnic minority former foster youth

ABSTRACT Little research has examined if there are differences in sexual well-being, negative sexual health outcomes, or levels of sexual identity development between racial/ethnic minority and non-racial/ethnic minority youth in the foster care system. Using a sample of youth formerly in the foster care system (n = 219), this study compared the sexual well-being, sexual identity development, and negative sexual health outcomes of racial/ethnic minority and non-racial/ethnic minority youth and found that racial/ethnic minority and non-racial/ethnic minority youth did not differ in overall levels of sexual well-being and had no significant differences in their levels of sexual identity development. There were differences in incidence of the youth or a partner having an STI/STD. These results indicate that there are few differences in sexual well-being, negative sexual health outcomes, or sexual identity development between racial/ethnic minority and non-racial/ethnic minority youth formerly in the foster care system. All four domains of sexual identity development predicted sexual well-being for non-racial/ethnic minority youth, but sexual orientation identity uncertainty did not predict sexual well-being for racial/ethnic minority youth, emphasizing the importance of sexual identity development. Attention to the sexual development and sexual health of youth in the foster care system continues to be lacking and should be expanded.

“Why is my skin so intimidating to you?”: Exploring social connectivity and racial identity of youth of color with foster care experience

ABSTRACT Social support, racial/ethnic identity, and foster care exposure are concepts largely understudied in child welfare research. With the rise of racialized violence against persons of color and the COVID-19 pandemic, these intersecting identities are of great importance. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 youth of color with current or past foster care exposure. Three themes were identified: 1) feeling uncomfortably me, 2) not equal in opportunity, and 3) skin as a threat. Increased mental health support by caseworkers and understanding collective racial trauma is needed to help foster youth of color as they strive to achieve self-sufficiency in emerging adulthood.

Labor force attachment among care leavers in Israel: A longitudinal cross-sequential between-groups design

BackgroundLittle is known about the long-term labor force attachment (LFA) of care leavers and how they compare with similar youth. ObjectivesThis study aims to: (1) examine LFA from age 21 to 34 among care leavers and a comparison group; (2) explain variability in age-related LFA. Participants and settingTwo groups were studied: all alumni of 14 consecutive birth cohorts (1982–1995) of care leavers of youth villages in Israel (22,670) and a double-sized matched comparison group drawn from the corresponding cohorts in the general population (45,340). MethodsThe study is based on a longitudinal cross-sequential between-groups design.The dataset integrates an extensive set of longitudinal administrative records. Descriptive statistic was used to describe and compare care leavers and their matched peers, in terms of background and achievements. Bivariate analyses examined differences in age-related LFA between care leavers and their matched peers. A multilevel multinomial model was employed to predict LFA levels throughout the age span. ResultsIn terms of achievements, care leavers show poorer educational attainment, greater reliance on social welfare services and experienced more difficulties during the mandatory military service. The rate of care leavers strongly connected to the labor market gradually increased as they grew older, reaching to about 65 % by age 34, whereas the rate of those disconnected from the labor market decreased with age, standing on 19 % by age 34. Care leavers had stronger LFA than their matched peers during their entire 20's, and similar levels thereafter. Multiple factors (e.g., family background, educational attainments) were associated with different levels of LFA. ConclusionsDifferential policy measures, while in-care and afterward, are needed to address care leavers' variability in labor market experience.

The impacts of COVID-19 on LGBTQ+ foster youth alumni

BackgroundLGBTQ+ youth frequently experience disparities in outcomes related to permanency and overall well-being while in out-of-home care. These negative outcomes often persist after youth have transitioned out of care, particularly in the domains of housing, education, employment, and mental health. Initial research has found that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated negative physical and mental health outcomes, as well as decreased economic stability among transition age youth. ObjectiveThis study seeks to determine if COVID-19 has resulted in unique impacts on foster care alumni, and if these impacts are the same for LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ transition age youth.Participants and Setting.This study used data from the 2020 Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative Opportunity Passport Survey to explore these questions. MethodsThis survey was administered electronically to a national sample of 1223 youth ages 18–26 with lived experience in foster care. ResultsResults indicate that relative to non-LGBTQ+ foster care alumni, LGBTQ+ foster care alumni experienced more negative outcomes in housing stability, employment, and mental health/trauma due to COVID-19. No significant differences were found for education-related impacts. Outcomes varied by sex assigned at birth, ethnicity, and sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE) of respondents, with female respondents, black, indigenous and other people of color (BIPOC) youth and LGBTQ+ youth being most frequently impacted. ConclusionsResults indicate that relative to non-LGBTQ+ foster care alumni, LGBTQ+ foster care alumni experienced more negative outcomes in housing stability, employment, and mental health/trauma due to COVID-19. No significant differences were found for education-related impacts. Outcomes varied by sex assigned at birth, ethnicity, and sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE) of respondents, with female respondents, BIPOC youth and LGBTQ+ youth being most frequently impacted. Implications for practice and policy are explored.

The key role of education for Flemish care leavers

Research consistently shows that both foster- and residential care leavers achieve lower levels of educational qualification in comparison to the general population. However, in Western society, education remains an important gateway to success in employment, income and housing opportunities. This study explores and predicts educational achievement of care leavers in Flanders and investigates the effect of educational attainment on other outcomes (employment, income and housing). The study involves 220 care leavers (both family foster care ( n = 138) and residential care ( n = 82)). Data was collected using a self-reporting questionnaire touching multiple domains. The participants of the study (77 male, 143 female) are between 21 and 27 years old. Both foster- and residential care leavers achieve significantly lower qualifications, earn less and more often experience homelessness than their peers from the general population. Residential care leavers achieve lower qualifications and are more often unemployed than foster care leavers. Multiple regression analyses indicate that the level of qualification is a key factor in determining the results on employment, income and education. More placements and less support during the time in care are significantly associated with lower educational achievements. This lower qualification brings significantly higher risks of unemployment, financial- and housing obstacles in the long term. It is therefore important to support young care leavers in attaining their qualification, therefore providing equal opportunities in our society. Policy makers should focus on increased support regarding education during the time in care. School- and placement changes should be minimized, and society ought to invest in psychological support during placement.

Challenges, Agency and Ecology in the Transition of Youth from State Residential Care to Independent Living in Johannesburg, South Africa

In South Africa, youth leaving care can be considered a vulnerable group given the limited preparation and support they tend to receive for independent living, exacerbated by the high numbers of young people who are not in employment, education or training. The study explored challenges experienced, coping mechanisms employed, and support provided to care leavers who had transitioned from state residential care to independent living in Johannesburg, South Africa. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 12 care leavers. Key findings included the challenge of housing problems; insufficient food and clothing; and struggles to continue with their education and find employment. Care leavers exercised agency and resilience by drawing on personal motivation; crying; spirituality; and networking. Factors in the social-ecological environment that contributed to care leavers’ challenges included not qualifying for help after reaching 18 years of age; and a lack of formal emotional and material support or preparation before, during and after the transition These findings represents an issue of social justice and have implications for policy, practice and further research.

Testing Reciprocal Associations between Parenting and Youth’s Motivational Resources of Career Decision-Making Agency during the Postsecondary Transition

Parents are central figures in youth's career decision-making processes. One of their key roles is to foster youth's career decision-making agency by supporting their motivational resources-of autonomy and competence. While the findings on parent-driven effects (how parenting behaviors predict youth's agency) are well documented, little is known about the opposite direction-child-driven effects (how youth's agency predicts parenting behaviors)-and the bidirectionality, particularly during postsecondary transitions. To address this gap, the current study examined (1) reciprocal linkages between mothers' and fathers' parenting behaviors (i.e., need support and control) and youth's agency (i.e., autonomy and competence) and (2) whether such linkages are moderated by the parent's gender and timing. Participants were 642 French-Canadian youths (54% girls; Mage = 14.2) who annually reported on parenting behaviors and career decision-making agency for 5 years, from Secondary 3 to 2 years postsecondary. For analysis, random-intercept cross-lagged panel models were estimated to disentangle the between- and within-family processes. The results showed that youth's career decision-making competence develops in reciprocal transactions with parental need support in an upward spiral, while autonomy development is primarily driven by need support. Limited evidence was found for the moderating effects of parents' gender and youth's transition periods. Preregistration: the present study was preregistered (the study design, hypotheses, and target analyses). The preregistration can be found in https://osf.io/c5hak . Any deviations from the preregistration can be found in the Online Supplemental Materials.

Socio-economic status and living situation of care leavers in Austria

Care leavers are disadvantaged in many countries and in many ways in terms of their participation in society. Compared to the population as a whole, they have a lower level of education and are more often unemployed or precariously employed and less well paid. They are more likely to experience poverty and poor health, and their life satisfaction is lower. Previous research has focused primarily on the “leaving care” phase and related challenges in the transition to independent living. This paper is the first to analyze the socio-economic status and living situation of care leavers between the ages of 20–29 in Austria. In a questionnaire survey of 26 institutions and all federal states, 122 care leavers born between 1987 and 1997 were interviewed about their current life situation. By using standardized scales and items, data were collected that could be compared with the Austrian sample from the EU-SILC survey. The results reveal considerable disadvantages in all areas investigated. Female care leavers suffer greater disadvantages in terms of their financial status, health and satisfaction with the housing situation, male care leavers in terms of the subjects in which they are educated, unemployment and satisfaction with their personal relationships. The 25–29-year-old care leavers suffer fewer, less severe disadvantages, but still lag behind the comparison group in most areas. Overall, the results underline the need for educational and social policy interventions.

“Why would they call me an orphan when I have parents”: Care leavers’ experiences of labelling and stereotyping whilst living in residential care facilities in Zimbabwe

Care leaving research has focused on the experiences of young people when they make the transition from residential care facilities (RCCFs) back into mainstream society. Past research has found evidence of social exclusion and documents challenges that care leavers face when re-entering the society when they age-out of care. Some challenges include a lack of preparation for independent living, including limited financial, housing and employment support. There exists a gap in care leaving literature about the extent to which the labelling and stereotyping of care leavers during their time in RCCFs affects their transitions into adulthood. This paper presents an analysis of interviews conducted with care leavers from six childcare facilities in Zimbabwe (n = 30). The paper argues that the labelling and stereotyping of care leavers has a negative effect on how they are accepted and reintegrated into the society. The thematic analysis of the data provides clear evidence of some of the negative labels such as being called an“orphan” in the case of some non-orphans in RCCFs, and the negative stereotypes which stuck with the care leavers years into their adulthood. These labels and stereotypes also affected care leavers’ own perceptions of themselves as well as their interpersonal relationships with others. The paper identifies some implications for social work practice and makes recommendations towards the promotion of a more positive social image of care leavers.

PENDAMPINGAN PERENCANAAN PEMBANGUNAN SMP DAN MBS (MUHAMMADIYAH BOARDING SCHOOL) PIMPINAN CABANG MUHAMMADIYAH SAWIT BOYOLALI

Muhammadiyah cadre is very necessary to foster youth to bring the organization forward. The future of Muhammadiyah as a whole is closely related to the activities of the Muhammadiyah cadre movement at the Province, District, Sub-district, and Village levels. Sawit Muhammadiyah Sub-District Head (PCM) is a Muhammadiyah organization at the sub-district level located in Boyolali Area. The regeneration activities at PCM are very important things to do, one of which is by providing educational facilities for the Muhammadiyah Junior High School as a regeneration locomotive at sub-district level. Sawit Muhammadiyah Sub-District Head needs assistance and facilities to realize the plan to establish Junior High Schools and manage Muhammadiyah Boarding School (MBS).

Exploring the perspectives of ‘young adults’ (18–24) who have been in formal care and their experiences of attending a socially prescribed community allotment gardening group

Introduction: Young adults who have experienced periods of time being ‘in care’ are one of the most socially deprived populations within society, with their needs largely unmet and often not fully understood. Despite the significant attempts to invest in community-based ‘social prescribing’ interventions to address such health inequalities, there is a dearth of understanding regarding how such occupation-based community groups are experienced by this particular population. This UK based qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of young adult ‘Care Leavers’ regarding their participation in a socially prescribed community gardening group. Method: Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with six young care leavers aged between 18 and 24 years who regularly participated in a community gardening group. Interviews were recorded transcribed verbatim and analysed Braun and Clarke’s Thematic Analysis process by two researchers to maximise validity. Findings: Four key themes emerged: ‘Social belonging and connection’, ‘A safe space’, ‘Sense of achievement from active engagement’ and ‘The facilitatory aspects of nature’. The findings suggested nature-based co-occupation within a local group, enhanced social capital, self-identity and wellbeing. Conclusion: This study supports the emerging scope of using community occupation-based interventions with young adult ‘Care Leavers’ and offers an insight into their particular needs.

Examining the role of lived experience consultants in an Australian research study on the educational experiences of children and young people in out-of-home care

Children and young people’s access to and engagement in education is a key determinant of future positive outcomes. Children and young people in out-of-home care disproportionally experience educational disruptions and disengagements affecting their ability to participate in schooling, further and higher education. There is increasing international interest in the participation of young people with lived experience of out-of-home (OOHC) in research projects. This paper presents the findings of a study in the Australian state of Victoria where a group of lived experience consultants (LECs) were employed to consult on the results of a broader survey of the attitudes of professionals, carers and care leavers regarding the educational experiences of children in OOHC. Two meetings were held with the LECs, one to gain their views on the survey findings, and secondly, to reflect on their experiences working on the project. The findings suggest that formalizing the engagement of lived experience voices in research, inherently a qualitative approach, promotes a more informed representation of the challenges faced by children and young people within OOHC. In this case, engaging young adults with lived experience helped identify key barriers to effective educational participation that the project design may otherwise have overlooked. They also identified key strategies for improving LEC engagement such as involving them in developing key research aims and questions, and enabling the provision of a ‘safe space’ for them to participate. This new approach promotes co-design at multiple levels, providing opportunities for a meaningful collaborative approach to research.