Youth in foster care: developmental assets and attitudes towards adoption and mentoring

Abstract

A B S T R AC TThe present study explores the relationship between the characteristics of youth in foster care and youth attitudes about mentoring and adoption. Using a positive youth development framework, the study examines the relationship between youth risk and resilience variables (youth risk scores, youth assets and youth perception of control) and youth attitudes about mentoring and adoption. Data were collected from 54 youth, ages 10 to 17 years, through intake interviews and surveys. Participants were 25 male and 29 female adolescents; 33 were Caucasian and 21 were African American. Overall, the youth had positive attitudes about both mentoring and adoption, with Caucasian youth having more positive attitudes than African American youth. A 2 ¥ 2 (Gender ¥ Race) analysis of variance revealed greater feelings of control for male and Caucasian youth. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that the youths' perceptions of their strengths and assets were related to how positively they viewed mentoring and adoption.

The voices of youth in foster care: A participant action research study

“…There was also a contradiction between the two studies in that the sample of youth in foster care in the Diehl et al (2011) study reported a sense of control over their lives while some of the participants in this current study reported that they did not feel they had control over their lives. This trend was paired with another where the youth described future participation in the system where they would have more power or control to help others.…”

“…Therefore, the findings that a larger percentage of these youth trust someone (87.5%) and feel loved (69%) while fewer find support within their family (31%), demonstrates resilience. Although participation in the Peace4Kids program limits the generalizability of these findings to the larger population of youth in foster care, a similar finding has been reported in another study (Diehl et al, 2011). Future research can uncover where and how these sources of support are found.…”

“…There is limited evidence in the literature documenting the strengths that youth in foster care may possess. Diehl, Howse, and Trivette (2011) recently used intake interviews and surveys at a camp for youth in foster care and reported assets that include positive attitudes about mentoring and adoption, social competence, positive values and identities, outside support, and a sense of control over their lives. Their results lack generalizability in that their sample consisted of older youth with a demonstrated level of resilience and designated as appropriate to attend a camp focused on finding adoptive placements.…”

Breaking bad: an attachment perspective on youth mentoring relationship closures

“…Research suggests that underlying strong mentoring bonds lay partnerships built on respect, trust, honesty, reliability, consistency, empathy, authentic engagement and mentors with the ability to form close, emotional relationships (Spencer et al 2004Rhodes et al 2009;Diehl et al 2011;Johnson et al 2011;Pryce 2012;Hiles et al 2013). But mentoring does not succeed equally well for everyone.…”

Success on their own terms : youths' perspectives on what it means to be successful in foster care.

“…Even after many considerations have been given to involving children in research in other areas of study (e.g., medical research), foster youth are still seldom involved in child welfare research (e.g. Samuels, 2009;Pecora, et al, 2010;Diehl, Howse, & Trivette, 2011). Fenton (2002 appositely surmised the following: "though the system was created for children, it is too often only about them" (p. 59).…”