Youth Care Research Articles

The Role of African Spirituality in the Provision of Kinship Care in the South African Context

This article focuses on understanding the role played by African spirituality in the provision of kinship care in the South African context. African traditional spirituality was found to be an important factor underpinning kinship care and its provision, especially in rural African communities. The study was conducted using a qualitative research methodology. Twenty-one (21) participants, who were kinship caregivers, were recruited using purposive non-probability sampling methods. The study found that African spirituality helped them to preserve both their cultural and personal identity. Furthermore, through African spirituality, children and youth in kinship care receive psychosocial support and experienced a positive upbringing through their kinship caregivers and tribal community. African kinship caregivers were found to offer kinship care as a spiritual duty to help children and youth who need care and protection in the absence of their birth parents.

Group Climate in Residential Youth Care: Development and Validation of the Group Climate Instrument-Revised.

Group climate in residential youth care is considered to be essential for treatment of youth and young adults. Various instruments exist to measure quality of living group climate, but some are lengthy, use complicated wording, which make them difficult to fill out by youth and individuals with a mild intellectual disability. The present study describes the development and rationale for the Group Climate Instrument-Revised (GCI-R). Construct validity and reliability of the GCI-R were examined by means of Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) in a two-step validation process using a construction sample (n = 190 youth, representing 41 groups) and a validation sample (n = 207 youth, representing 42 groups). Results indicated a good fit of a five-factor model (Support, Growth, Physical Environment, Peer interactions, and Repression). Reliability of the scales was good. These findings indicate that the GCI-R can be used as a parsimonious, valid, and reliable instrument to assess perceptions of group climate in youth. Recommendations for future research and practice are suggested.

Pathways to Identity: Navigating Gender-Affirming Care for Youth

Pathways to Identity: Navigating Gender-Affirming Care for Youth

Family‐centred practice and family outcomes in residential youth care: A systematic review

AbstractFamily‐centred practice (FCP) has been suggested as a best practice for treating youth with emotional and behavioural difficulties in residential care. In this preregistered systematic review, we examined how FCP is operationalized and measured in residential youth care and which family outcomes are associated with FCP. Our systematic search in six databases identified 5784 articles. We analysed included articles by coding the operationalizations of FCP in the interventions and study measures. Further, we descriptively summarized relations between FCP and family outcomes. Thirteen articles met our inclusion criteria. In these articles, FCP was operationalized by five types of youth worker actions in interventions and was measured as five types of family involvement. Ten articles examined pre–post differences in family‐centred interventions. Only four articles analysed relations between FCP and a family outcome. Studies found some support for a positive association between FCP and whole‐family functioning, but overall, the association between FCP and family outcomes remains unclear. Our findings demonstrate that more research is needed that specifically examines different aspects of FCP and how they relate to family outcomes in residential youth care. Such studies can benefit from the conceptual model proposed for FCP in residential youth care interventions.

Impact of Telemedicine on Access to Care for Rural Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth

To explore the impact of telemedicine on access to gender-affirming care for rural transgender and gender diverse youth. A retrospective analysis of data drawn from the electronic medical records of a clinic that provides approximately 10,000 adolescent and young adult visits per year and serves patients seeking gender health care. The no-show rate was examined as a proxy for access to care due to anticipated challenges with recruiting a representative sample of a historically marginalized population. Logistic regression with generalized estimating equations was conducted to model the association between the odds of a no-show visit and covariates of interest. Telemedicine visits, rural home address, gender health visits, longer travel time, and being under 18 years old were associated with lower odds of a no-show in univariate models (n=17928 visits). In the adjusted model, the odds ratio of no-shows for gender health visits was 0.56 (95% CI 0.42 - 0.74), adjusting for rurality, telemedicine, age (under or over 18), and travel time to the clinic. In this study, telemedicine was associated with reduced no-shows overall, and especially for rural, transgender and gender diverse youth, and patients who hold both identities. While the no-show rate does not fully capture barriers to access, these findings provide insight into how this vulnerable population may benefit from expanded access to telemedicine for rural individuals whose communities may lack providers with the skills to serve this population.

Obesity care for youth during the COVID-19 pandemic: Challenges youth healthcare nurses experienced in providing obesity care in the Netherlands.

The COVID-19 pandemic deeply affected the lives of children and young people; studies report adverse effects on mental, physical, and social well-being. However, the impact of the pandemic on obesity care for children received little attention. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the challenges youth healthcare nurses experienced and to describe implications for future obesity care and policy. We conducted interviews, participant observations, and a group session with youth healthcare nurses during the pandemic in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Youth healthcare nurses reported a deterioration in the problems of children and young people who were already in the highest classification for pediatric obesity, such as increased weight gain, mental health problems, and socio-economic problems. The nurses experienced immense challenges while trying to provide obesity care, such as a decrease in face-to-face contact with youth and their families, as well as loss of continuity of care. It is important to reconnect with these families, invest in a trusted relationship with youth receiving obesity care, and prioritize available and accessible obesity care for those who need it the most.

An exploratory evaluation of a model of care for youth who are at risk of sexual exploitation and human trafficking

AbstractThe sexual exploitation of children and youth remains a critical issue within the child welfare system, despite the limited availability of models of care to support these vulnerable individuals. The START with the YOUTH (STAR‐Y) program adopts a preventative approach, offering personalized care and wraparound support to youth exhibiting at‐risk behaviours. This paper employs a case study methodology using both thematic and content analyses to longitudinally assess the effectiveness of this exploratory program. This evaluation encompasses a comprehensive assessment of various factors associated with the risk of sexual exploitation among program participants. Throughout the program's extended duration (originally planned for one year), predefined risk factors, including concerning Internet behaviours, were monitored and analysed. Qualitative data were gathered through interviews and observations, focusing on the experiences of both the youth and their foster parents. The results highlight the program's successful implementation, with youth enrollment (N = 3) demonstrating a reduction in sexual exploitation risk factors over time, including a decrease in behaviours such as concerning Internet usage. The importance of wraparound support and the foster parent‐youth relationship in mitigating risk and nurturing resilience became evident. This exploratory evaluation serves as the initial phase of a comprehensive assessment aimed at understanding how to effectively support youth within this population, including those at higher risk, such as those possibly involved in sex trafficking. The study's findings provide valuable insights into strategies for mitigating the risk of sexual exploitation among vulnerable youth, informing future endeavours to develop and implement similar programs within the child welfare system.

Capitated, Multisector, Universal Preventive Health Care for Children and Youth

This Viewpoint discusses the need to reorganize the provision of well-child care whereby responsibility for services is formally divided and coordinated and funding is free from traditional, risk-based health insurance.

Affective relationships with caregivers, self-efficacy, and hope of adolescents in residential care

The transition to residential care (RC) is often experienced with fear and distrust, which, associated with a feeling of punishment and abandonment, may result in pejorative attributions and self-depreciation. These feelings may reveal a greater difficulty for youth to invest in social relationships and be open to reorganizing affective bonds with alternative significant figures. Developing quality affective relationships with caregivers in residential care may work as a protective factor for the biopsychosocial development of youth. The present study aims to analyze the associations between affective relationships with caregivers and self-efficacy, and future expectations of youth in residential care, as well as to test the mediating effect of hope on the previous association. The sample included 249 youth living in residential care, aged between 12 and 18 years. The results show that the quality of affective relationships with caregivers is associated with youth self-efficacy and hopes. A partial positive mediation of hope is also found. The results are discussed considering attachment theory and its contribution to relational mechanisms to promote self-efficacy and expectations of the future of youth living in residential care. The contributions of this study to the implementation of intervention guidelines will also be discussed.

Understanding the needs of foster parents of youth with special health care needs: Perceptions, barriers, and recommendations

IntroductionYouth with special health care needs (SHCN) experience more placement disruptions in foster care than their typically developing peers. This study, conducted by a research-community partnership, used a mixed-methods approach to understand the needs and barriers of current, past, and prospective foster parents to provide care for youth with SHCN. MethodsOne hundred twenty-six participants completed a survey regarding their youth’s care needs, anticipated and experienced barriers of concern when caring for youth with SHCN, support they believe should be provided at the beginning of placements, and information they believe would be helpful to know when deciding to foster a youth with SHCN. ResultsCurrent and past foster parents of youth with SHCN most commonly reported caring for youth with behavioral issues, developmental disabilities, and medical conditions requiring frequent monitoring and intervention. The biggest barriers reported by current and past foster parents were SHCN-specific training, transparency regarding youths’ needs, and assistance finding providers. In contrast, prospective foster parents reported not receiving enough information about youths’ specific needs and getting physical home modifications as the biggest anticipated barriers. Prospective foster parents reported they would like to receive clear information on youth’s needs, care goals, and medical history to guide their decision to foster youth with SHCN. DiscussionThe findings from this study highlight that current, past, and prospective foster parents of youth with SHCN feel a critical need exists for additional capacity-building and resources for foster parents to be able to successfully care for youth with SHCN. Furthermore, prospective foster parents require tailored guidance and training to ensure they are fully prepared for the practical considerations to care for a youth with SHCN. ConclusionsFoster parents who care for youth with SHCN require additional support to manage the complex medical and behavioral needs of the youth in their care, transparency on youth’s medical history and care needs, and clarity on resources and services available. By identif ying opportunities to better support, recruit, and prepare foster parents caring for youth with SHCN, the child welfare system can reduce gaps in wellbeing, promote placement stability, and improve outcomes for children and youth with SHCN.

Online Educational Resources for Youth Living With Type 1 Diabetes Transitioning to Adult Care: An Environmental Scan of Canadian Content

ObjectivesThere are many educational resources for adolescents and young adults living with type 1 diabetes; however, it is unknown whether they address the breadth of topics related to transition to adult care. Our aim in this study was to collect educational resources relevant to Canadian youth and assess their quality and comprehensiveness in addressing the knowledge necessary for youth to prepare for interdependent management of their diabetes. MethodsWe conducted an environmental scan, a systematic assessment and analysis, of online education resources in English and French relevant to Canadian youth living with type 1 diabetes. Resources were screened using an open education resource evaluation grid and relevant resources were mapped to the Readiness for Emerging Adults with Diabetes Diagnosed in Youth, a validated diabetes transition readiness assessment tool. ResultsFrom 44 different sources, 1,245 resources were identified and, of these, 760 were retained for analysis. The majority were webpages (50.1%) and downloadable PDFs (42.4%), and 12.1% were interactive. Most resources covered Diabetes Knowledge (46.0%), Health Behaviour (23.8%), Insulin and Insulin Pump Management (11.8% and 8.6%, respectively), and Health-care System Navigation (9.7%). Topic areas with the fewest resources were disability accommodations (n=5), sexual health/function (n=4), and locating trustworthy diabetes resources (n=3). ConclusionsThere are many resources available for those living with type 1 diabetes preparing to transition to adult care, with the majority pertaining to diabetes knowledge and the least for navigation of the health system. Few resources were available on the topics of substance use, sexual health, and reproductive health. An interactive presentation of these resources, as well as a central repository to house these resources, would improve access for youth and diabetes care providers during transition preparation.

Effectiveness of a multidisciplinary treatment with youth-initiated mentoring for youths with mental health needs from multi-problem families: a quasi-experimental study

BackgroundChildren from multi-problem families have an increased risk for experiencing mental health problems. These families face problems in several domains that are often found to be chronic and intergenerational. Yet, the effects of mental health care for youths from multi-problem families are small at best, urging research on new treatment programs. The InConnection approach is an integrated care program to improve resilience of youths with mental health needs from multi-problem families by connecting professional expertise from multiple disciplines with the informal social network of the youth. Youths are asked to nominate a youth-initiated mentor (YIM) from the supportive adults in their network.MethodsThis quasi-experimental study compared the effectiveness of the InConnection approach to treatment as usual in a sample of 107 families (n = 66 intervention group, n = 41 control group) with n = 115 youths receiving treatment (cases). Youths (n = 102 reports, Mage = 15.59 years), parents (n = 85 reports) and case managers (n = 107 reports) responded to questionnaires four times over 15 months. Using these data, we measured youth resilience as the primary outcome, seven secondary outcomes, and three intermediate outcomes.ResultsLatent growth models showed only one significant change in outcomes over time across conditions, namely a decrease in case manager-reported child unsafety, and only two condition effects, which were both parent-reported. Parents in the InConnection group reported improvements over time in youth’s emotional and behavioral problems and their own positive parenting, whereas control parents reported no changes (ps ≤ 0.013).DiscussionThe treatment conditions were not effective in improving most of the youth and parental outcomes over time, except for child safety reported by the case manager. The InConnection approach only outperformed care as usual on two parent-reported outcomes. Future research should examine for whom and under what circumstances the InConnection approach works more convincingly.Trial registrationNetherlands Trial Register NL7565. Retrospectively registered on 05/03/2019.

Obrazovni status dece i mladih sa problemima ponašanja na domskom smeštaju

Introduction. Children and youth in foster and residential care have lower educational attainment compared to the general population. Previous research suggests that difficulties in education are especially frequent among children and youth who have been admitted to residential care due to behavioral problems. Objective. The aim of the research was to determine the educational status of children and youth who were admitted to an educational institution. Methods. The sample consisted of users placed in the Institute for the Education of Children and Youth Belgrade in the previous four years (N = 69). Children and youth from the sample were of both sexes (male 75.4%), aged 9-18 years at the time of admission (M = 15.39, SD = 2.01). Data on education and other relevant characteristics of children and youth were collected from official documentation. Results. At the time of admission, 24.6% did not attend school, and 33.2% had four or fewer grades of elementary school. During their previous education, 63.8% repeated one grade, 98.2% were often absent from school, 26.1% were subjected to disciplinary measures, and 29.0% were educated according to an individual educational plan. Significant relationships were found between average performance and demographic characteristics of users. Conclusion. Children and youth in educational institutions have experienced serious difficulties in participating and progressing in education. This research draws attention to the need for systematic monitoring and improvement of the educational attainment of children and youth in residential care in Serbia.

Do It Yourself

This article draws on Claude Lévi-Strauss and Michel de Certeau’s theorizations of bricolage in order to explore Bernard Stiegler’s philosophical practice. Taking as its point of departure the elements of intellectual biography provided by Stiegler in Acting Out (2009), it explores his (re)deployment of existing philosophical concepts and the sedimentary nature of his own thought. The article then moves to consider the presence of concepts and practices of mystagogy in Taking Care of Youth and the Generations (2010), arguing that these are a restaging of the dynamics of Acting Out on a collective, rather than an individual scale. Ultimately, the article turns to Stiegler’s late aesthetic writing to explore how his theorization of the roles of amateur and artist might point us towards the lineaments of his unfinished “mystagogy.”

THE EXPERIENCES OF YOUTHS WHO LEFT CHILD AND YOUTH CARE CENTRES OF THE EKURHULENI METRO MUNICIPALITY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Leaving a familiar environment can be daunting. Although previous studies investigated the experiences of youths who left care centres, few considered those who left during the Covid-19 pandemic. For this exploratory qualitative research study, we purposively recruited 12 African youths aged between 18 and 23, with least two years’ experience of life in the care centres of Ekurhuleni Metro Municipality to investigate their experiences when they left suchcentres during the Covid-19 pandemic. The data were collected through individual semistructured interviews, analysed according to Akinyonde and Khan’s thematic analysis method, and verified using Guba and Lincoln’s strategies. The findings revealed experiences that were clustered into three themes: preparing to leave, reflecting on life at the centre, and transiting from care during Covid-19. The recommendations proposed include the need to facilitate exitstrategies for these youths, clear follow-up plans to support them, and collaboration of practitioners in the field of child and youth care. Keywords: child and youth care centre, Covid-19, experiences, social work, youths

An exploration of anxiety and depressive symptoms among sexual and gender minority young adults visiting a drop-in center for youth experiencing homelessness

BackgroundResearch suggests that marginalized young adults, particularly sexual and gender minorities (SGM), face distinctive healthcare transition challenges. SGM often navigate a complex intersection of identities, experiences, and stressors that can contribute to mental health disparities. However, they often lack access to appropriate support and resources tailored to their needs, which can result in increased psychological distress. Drop-in centers are effective mental health interventions for marginalized communities. Therefore, we conducted a study to explore the healthcare access experiences and mental health outcomes of young adult SGM compared to their non-SGM counterparts. MethodsWe surveyed 151 young adults aged 18–25 who visited two drop-in centers for young adults experiencing homelessness in Houston, Texas, between October and November 2018. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire- 4 (PHQ-4.ther variables included demographics, prior mental health diagnosis, and experiences of homelessness and involvement in justice. ResultsTransgender and gender-diverse individuals had higher proportions of anxiety symptoms than their cisgender counterparts, while gay and lesbian individuals were more likely to experience depressive symptoms. In general, SGM individuals were three times more likely to report a previous anxiety diagnosis and four times more likely to report a previous depression diagnosis than their non-SGM counterparts. However, we did not find a significant association between having anxiety or depressive symptoms with seeking healthcare, experiences of homelessness, and justice involvement. ConclusionThe findings suggest that drop-in centers can provide targeted care for SGM youth with intersecting needs, thus improving their mental health outcomes. Nevertheless, more research is needed to understand further and inform more targeted and effective evidence-based interventions that support SGM young adults across the trajectory of experiences, changing needs, and care coordination over time during this critical and vulnerable transition to adulthood.

PREPARATION OF INTELLECTUALLY DISABLED AND/OR AUTISTIC YOUNG PEOPLE FOR LEAVING CARE IN SOUTH AFRICA

Research on the transition of intellectually disabled and/or autistic care-leavers is still in its infancy globally and there have been no studies on this population in South Africa. This article, therefore, aims to illuminate the experiences of this overlooked group in South Africa, with a focus on how well they are prepared for the transition from residential childcare facilities to young adulthood. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight intellectually disabled and/or autistic young people who were about to disengage from Child and Youth Care Centres in the Cape Peninsula, and their caregivers. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Four themes emerged: person-centred planning for care-leaving; opportunities for extended care and gradual exits from care; support for interdependent living aftercare; and addressing loss and anxiety related to moving on during the transition. The study highlights implications for policy and practice, including the need for a clear policy framework to support aftercare provision and improvements in care-leaving preparation with a stronger focus on interdependence. Keywords: aging out, autism, care-leaving preparation, intellectual disability, leaving care, transition

ENHANCING CHILDREN’S SAFETY AND WELLBEING: EXPLORING THE ROLE OF A NEW SOCIAL SERVICE PROGRAMME IN FREE STATE TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS

In response to the pervasive violence affecting children's psychosocial wellbeing in South Africa, the Adopt-a-School Foundation introduced the Thari programme, targeting behavioural challenges that manifest in gangs, substance abuse and classroom disruptions. This article presents findings from a pilot project in Botshabelo, Free State, where gangsterism, academic struggles and social issues prevailed. The main study used an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design (qualitative/quantitative), but this article reports only on a part of the qualitative data from group and individual interviews that explored participants' perspectives. The study focused on children's behavioural challenges and observed school changes during implementation of the Thari programme. Results show a notable reduction in gangsterism and psychosocial issues, leading to decreased disruptive behaviour among children and highlighting improved behaviour after the introduction of psychosocial services. Keywords: child and youth care worker, psychosocial services, school safety, school social work, vulnerable children

Organizational mechanisms to achieve the quality of professional performance of social workers which working in the field of youth care in light of modern technological changes

Organizational mechanisms to achieve the quality of professional performance of social workers which working in the field of youth care in light of modern technological changes

STRENGTHENING FAMILY CONNECTEDNESS IN FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN WITH BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS: KEY EXPERTS’ AND PRACTITIONERS’ EXPERIENCES IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PARENTING PROGRAMMES

Parenting enhancement contributes to the development of positive child behaviour and strengthening of family connectedness. This qualitative study explores the experiences of 10 experts (social workers, child and youth care workers, and researchers) in the field of parenting through semi-structured interviews to strengthen family connectedness in families with children with behavioural problems (FCBPs). Using Tesch’s qualitative analysis, three main themes emerged: (a) barriers to family connectedness, (b) parenting styles, and (c) parenting programmes in strengthening family connectedness. The findings of the study highlight the barriers experienced by experts and the lack of evidence-based parenting programmes in the strengthening of family connectedness in FCBPs in rural areas in South Africa. The study therefore recommends that practitioners in the field of parenting should receive specialised parenting training on how to strengthen family connectedness in FCBPs. Keywords: children with behavioural problems, family connectedness, parenting, parenting programmes