Qualitative exploration of relationships with important non-parental adults in the lives of youth in foster care

Abstract

Foster youth are at risk of poor adult outcomes. Research on the role of mentoring relationships for this population suggests the value of strategies that increase their access to adult sources of support, both while in foster care and as they reach adulthood. We conducted semi-structured, individual qualitative interviews with 23 former foster youth ages 18-25 regarding their relationships with supportive non-parental adults. We sought to identify factors that influence the formation, quality, and duration of these relationships and to develop testable hypotheses for intervention strategies. Findings suggest several themes related to relationship formation with non-parental adults, including barriers (e.g., youth's fears of being hurt) and facilitators (e.g., patience from the adult). Distinct themes were also identified relating to the ongoing development and longevity of these relationships. Youth also described multiple types of support and positive contributions to their development. Proposed intervention strategies include systematic incorporation of important non-parental adults into transition planning, enhanced training and matching procedures within formal mentoring programs, assistance for youth to strengthen their interpersonal awareness and skills, and the targeting of specific periods of need when linking youth to sources of adult support. Recommended research includes the development, pilot-testing, and evaluation of proposed strategies.

Supportive Relationships Among Former System Youth With Mental Health Challenges

“…In these empirical data elements, it becomes clear that young adults are looking for role models-individuals that they trust that can provide a positive example for them as to how to be a productive adult, and further a productive adult with a mental health condition. In both our study as well as a similar study by Ahrens et al (2011), it has become clear that taking time and showing young adults that some adults can be trusted is critical. It takes time to rebuild trust in relationships, and these factors must be considered when designing programs for FSY.…”

Defining and strengthening child well-being in child protection

“…Hook Piescher, Colburn, LaLiberte & Hong, 2014), achieving and maintaining mental, behavioral, and physical health, (e.g., Casanueva, Stambaugh, Tueller, Dolan & Smith, 2012;Stambaugh et al, 2013;Courtney et al, 2011;Perry, 2005), and establishing and maintaining supportive relationships (e.g., Geenen & Powers, 2007;Ahrens et al, 2011;Samuels & Pryce, 2008). Furthermore, these poor outcomes are often evident for both children and youth who enter into out-of-home placement as well as children and youth who are involved in an accepted case of child maltreatment but never go on to experience out-of-home placement (e.g.…”

Child Welfare Professionals’ Attitudes and Beliefs About Child Welfare-Based Natural Mentoring for Older Youth in Foster Care

“…Although studies on natural mentoring as a protective factor for foster youth are accumulating (e.g., Ahrens et al, 2008Ahrens et al, , 2011Greeson, 2013;Greeson & Bowen, 2008;Greeson et al, 2010;Munson & McMillen, 2009;Munson, Smalling, Spencer, Scott, & Tracy, 2010), none have explicitly examined child welfare professionals' attitudes and beliefs about implementing natural mentoring in child welfare agency settings. Developing such an understanding will help key stakeholders, like child welfare leadership, to create and implement contextspecific natural mentoring programs, particularly within child welfare organizations.…”