In Their Own Words: Challenges Facing Youth Aging Out of Foster Care

Abstract

Since 1999 there has been a renewed effort addressing the challenges youth face exiting foster care in adolescence, yet outcomes for most youth are still indicating heartbreaking results and it is still not clear what more is needed. Presented is a study addressing what is needed for successful transition. Three major themes emerged; youth focused practice, need for collaboration and better communication with youth, and unmet needs and permanent connections.

Exploring Adolescents’ Participation in Decision Making in Related Foster Care Placements in South Africa

“…participants mentioned: "I would like to share my experience that they (social workers) can understand us", adding that: "I feel it is unfair to us if they don't listen to us". Scannapieco, Connell-Carrick and Painter (2007) rated the inclusion of foster adolescents in the decision-making process as the most important theme in their research. The same view is also echoed in this study.…”

A holistic examination of the impact of child maltreatment on child behavioral outcomes : a longitudinal multilevel analysis.

“…Research in child welfare began to show that children who aged out of the foster care system had worse outcomes and illuminated the importance of family connections outside of the parental figures (Farruggia, Greenberger, Chen, & Heckhausen, 2006;Ryan, Hernandez, & Heiz, 2007;Scannapieco, Connell-Carrick, & Painter, 2007). In…”

The realities of a group of young adults after aging out of foster care in northern British Columbia.

“…Youth from foster care have identified their desire for collaborative practice, ongoing relationships, and youth-focused practice (Scannapieco et al, 2007). Children and youth in-care often have no control over the quality and length of their relationships, in part because of foster placement moves (Samuels, 2008).…”

“…By the time children enter foster care, they have likely already experienced much adversity in their home life (Stein & Dumaret, 2007). It is not uncommon for youth to struggle to put into words how they are feeling (Scannapieco et al, 2007). Foster caregivers can help youth learn to deal with their emotions and feelings in appropriate ways by helping them to identify and process their feelings and emotions (Samuels, 2008;Scannapieco et al, 2007).…”

“…It is not uncommon for youth to struggle to put into words how they are feeling (Scannapieco et al, 2007). Foster caregivers can help youth learn to deal with their emotions and feelings in appropriate ways by helping them to identify and process their feelings and emotions (Samuels, 2008;Scannapieco et al, 2007). Some former youth in care recognized that their upbringing was different from peers who were raised with one continuous caregiver.…”