scholarly journals Challenges and Opportunities Experienced by Young Adults Transitioning Out of Informal Kinship-Based Foster Care in Bikita District, Zimbabwe

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Dziro
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Foster Care ◽  
Young People ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Transition Into Adulthood ◽  
Independent Life ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
And Training

The desire to understand young adults’ transition into adulthood from informal kinship-based foster care has been growing. This article examines the challenges encountered by, and the opportunities available to, young adults as they transition from informal kinship-based foster care to independent living in the Bikita District of Zimbabwe. In-depth interviews were conducted with 26 young people who had left care and key informants. Data were analyzed using a thematic framework. Key findings included the young adults’ need for proper preparation in formal education, health, social welfare, and employment to ward off the challenges they face before they leave informal kinship-based foster care. The opportunities available to the young adults included cultural identity, social capital, and training in independent life skills within their kinship group. Recommendations are made for better preparation and support to young people transitioning out of informal kinship-based care in Zimbabwe.

Portraits of Joy: The Lived Experiences of Young Adults With Autism Expressed Through Photovoice

2021 ◽  
Vol 75 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 7512505155p1-7512505155p1
Author(s):  
Paula J. Thompson-Costello ◽  
Mackenzie Traub ◽  
Eleanor Sweeney ◽  
Mallory Schrier ◽  
Hannah R. Dau
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Employment Status ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Young Adults With Autism

Abstract Date Presented Accepted for AOTA INSPIRE 2021 but unable to be presented due to online event limitations. For young adults and adults with autism, the outcomes related to independence, social relationships, employment status, and living arrangements have been poor. This session will share research using PhotoVoice to explore the lived experience of young adults with autism in a community-based independent-living residence. Challenges and opportunities for independence as seen through photos and reflections on the OT role will be shared. Primary Author and Speaker: Paula J. Thompson-Costello Additional Authors and Speakers: Mackenzie Traub, Eleanor Sweeney, Mallory Schrier, and Hannah R. Dau

“Only a Friend”

2016 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iren Johnsen ◽  
Kari Dyregrov
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Young People ◽  
Close Friend ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Daily Experiences ◽  
Depth Interviews

Friendships are very important for human beings, and especially for young people, but few studies have explored the consequences of losing a close friend. To identify and help this often overlooked population of bereaved, we need more knowledge of their bereavement processes. This study is part of a larger longitudinal study which aims to increase awareness of bereaveds’ situation after the killings at Utøya, Norway, July 22, 2011. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 young adults on the experiences of losing their close friend. Themes identified were how circumstances of the event complicate the grieving, the daily experiences of the loss, and recognition of friends as bereaved. Findings show that the loss of a close friend has had a profound effect on the young people, and the loss of a friend is also a distinct loss that is not comparable to other losses.

Unveiling the experiences of young people in foster care: Perspectives from Portugal and Nigeria

2017 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 433-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Temitayo K Adeboye ◽  
Maria das Dores Guerreiro ◽  
Ingrid Höjer
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Foster Care ◽  
Young People ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Successful Transition ◽  
Policy Practice ◽  
After Care ◽  
Transition Into Adulthood

This article examines the lived experiences of young people in the process of leaving the care of SOS Children’s Villages in both Nigeria and Portugal. Interviews were conducted with 12 young people and data were analysed using content analysis. Young people’s lived experiences were captured in three emerging dimensions of past, present and future experiences. The study recommends resolving young people’s childhood conflicts towards a successful transition into adulthood. It also has implications for policy practice in tailoring the present experiences in preparing young people for the demands of life after care.

Classifying Relational Permanence among Young Adults who Exited Foster Care through Legal Permanence as Adolescents

2017 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
pp. 179-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfred G. Pérez
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Foster Care ◽  
Classification Scheme ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Constructivist Grounded Theory ◽  
Child Welfare Policy ◽  
Relative Placement ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Relational Permanence ◽  
Depth Interviews

The achievement of legal permanence is not only a primary goal of U.S. child welfare policy but is also presumed to translate into relational permanence. This study examines whether state-sanctioned permanence translates into relational permanence among foster care alumni. In-depth interviews were conducted with a sample of 31 young adults who exited care as adolescents through adoption, guardianship, or relative placement to gain insights into how they make meaning of their relationships with caretakers over time. Constructivist grounded theory was used to develop a conceptual classification scheme of relational permanence that resulted in four types of young adult–caretaker relationships: enduring, ambivalent, spurned, and severed. Findings underscore the unintended consequences of solely focusing on legal permanence as an outcome, and implications for promoting relational permanence before and after foster care are discussed.

scholarly journals TRANZICIJA IZ HRANITELJSTVA U SAMOSTALNOST – PRIKAZ ISTRAŽIVANJA

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-71
Author(s):  
Ivan Anđelković ◽  
Bojana Pucarević
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Foster Care ◽  
Young People ◽  
Critical Review ◽  
Crucial Role ◽  
Cultural Contexts ◽  
Successful Transition ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Independent Life

The paper offers a critical review of recently published studies of the factors contributing to a successful transition to indepemdent life by the young in foster care. The review includes research conducted in various cultural contexts, such as the USA, Germany, Norway, Korea, Israel, as well as our own country. Our aim has been to describe the considerable achievents in this field, and point out the importance of those results which have been confirmed in more than a single research – specifically, the crucial role of social support in a successful passage to independent life. In addition to being established as culturally universal, this result has been obtained both in the studies concerned with successful transitions, and those focusing on the difficulties faced by the young people leaving foster care. The review also includes research which adresses the questions of what do the capability and readiness of adolescents to build and rely on social support depend on. In the paper the shortcomings and omissions of the studies examined are also considered and possible perspectives for further research into the complex problems related to leaving foster care are suggested, so that the results of such scientific invetigations might be of greater service in the planning and providing of actual interventions.

scholarly journals Social Justice and Lower Attainers in a Global Knowledge Economy

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 102-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally Tomlinson
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Global Knowledge ◽  
Educational Attainments ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Training Programmes ◽  
National Governments ◽  
And Training ◽  
Minimum Education

National governments believe that higher levels of educational attainments and training are necessary for successful competition in knowledge-driven economies and all young people are urged to invest in their own human capital and learn new skills. Moves towards inclusive education have brought into mainstream schools and colleges many who would formerly have been segregated in special schooling or otherwise given minimum education, joining those simply regarded as lower attainers. More research is needed on what is happening to all these young people who do not do well in competitive education systems and uncertain job markets. This article is taken from a study which set out to discuss with school and college principals, local administrators, teachers and others, who they regard as lower attainers, what sort of education and training programmes are offered to the students, and what policies they think are in place to help young people into work or independent living. Discussions were held with respondents in England, Germany, the USA, Finland and Malta. The article takes Rawls' view that social injustice is mainly due to the inequitable distribution of economic and social resources and the State has a responsibility to ensure that all young people can participate in the economy and the society.

scholarly journals Social relationships and their connection to mental health for young people who have been in the care system

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maritta Törrönen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Young People ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sensitive Information

Abstract The mental health of young people is a pressing concern in global development. However, there is little research on how young adults report their own mental health. The interview data gathered in this study (n = 74) explored young adults’ well-being during the transition period from care to independent living under an English local authority and in Finland. Participatory action research methods were employed. The interview schedule included 71 open and closed questions, and was analysed by content and summarised using the SPSS software application and Excel tables. The themes concerning mental health and social relationships were divided into three categories: ‘They have been there for me’, ‘My friends are the only ones’ and ‘They just guided me’. Participants who felt they had supportive social networks also felt their mental well-being and security to be better than those who did not. Overall, the findings demonstrated that good, significant social relations provided a sense of security but did not guarantee a positive mental outlook. Exploring young adults’ own evaluations of their social networks provides social work practitioners with sensitive information with which to find ways for young people to support their mental health in their own terms.

scholarly journals The Development of Independent Life Skills of the Children and Teenagers from Foster Home: Achievements, Challenges, Solutions

Pedagogika ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 110 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-114
Author(s):  
Kristina Samašonok
Keyword(s):  
Foster Care ◽  
Parental Care ◽  
Educational System ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Current Situation ◽  
Practical Training ◽  
Foster Home ◽  
Educational Activities ◽  
Foster Homes ◽  
Independent Life

Contemporary society is concerned about successful functioning of its members and their effective participation in social interrelations therefore the adaptation of children living in foster homes is perceived as a relevant social issue. In the context of developing democratic ideas increasing attention is being paid towards the problem of adaptive behavior and its development in children without parental care. It is influenced by important social, political, value and legal changes having occurred in the last several decades in Lithuania in a context of which the attitude towards children without parental care, their social status, foster care and development is also changing. While adopting more laws and resolutions on the issues of child’s foster care, development and healthcare there appear more possibilities to solve a lot of relevant questions in child foster care and training institutions. In the context of democracy increasing attention is paid towards social integration of children living in foster institutions, their involvement and participation into social life. The goals and objectives of Lithuanian educational system reflect the intention to prepare a person for life, who is able to analyze reality individually or with other people, also adequately deal with the problems, plan the future and successfully adapt to the constantly changing, dynamic society. These objectives allow to discover a variety of aspects of the organization of educational activities in foster homes. The problematic issue arises while preparing foster home pupils for independent living: Are the educational system and conditions at foster homes sufficient and adequate in process of preparation for independent life? The article actualizes the educational significance of preparing teenagers for independent life. Interviews with foster home staff evaluate the current situation of foster homes, disclose the education system, work achievements (strengths), discuss the developmental problems and identify deficiencies of preparation for independent living in foster homes. The aim – to assess the preparation of foster home pupils for independent living within the context of foster homes, revealing the positive and improvable aspects of the foster home educator’s point of view. Analyzing the features of foster home preparation for independent living in care institutions, the study involved 17 foster home staff, based on their opinion about their personal work experiences and points of view. In order to understand home educational activities, to review the pupils’ preparation for independent living opportunities, educational reality, to find out and identify problems, provide opportunities for improving the situation, the interview method was used. Instant analysis revealed that home care workers initiated a variety of activities: encourage children to solve problems, analyze situations and make decisions. It is also practiced by demonstration of adult example, analyzing the situation and promoting the search for solutions. Workshops are organized, situations and educational environment is created in which the pupils are encouraged to act independently, provide practical training skills that enable learners to try themselves in different activities (household work, cooking, etc.). However, according to the assessment of the current situation in foster homes, it is clear that there are not optimal functions performed by the formation of practical skills and preparing for independent living of children without parental care. Interviews revealed that foster homes lack „real practices“ when most children are able to buy food, count the money, pay for services, cook, and independence is developed mostly by the potential circumstances.  Comments on the survey suggest that the lack of practical activities, funding and real-world examples in foster homes prevent realization of the set goals, implement ideas for youngsters to prepare for independent living, to acquire domestic skills and do not create conditions for independent personal development (learning). Discussing the opportunities for improvement of foster home preparation for independent living, almost unanimously expressed material financial base and the improvement of household demand. Foster home staff believes that the conditions under which pupils can cook themselves face with the real everyday life, keep their own budgets, learn, acquire new knowledge or skills may be one of the most successful assumptions for training (learning) to live independently when they came out foster homes.

scholarly journals The Experiences of Social Workers while Preparing Children for Independent Living in the Community Foster Care Homes

Pedagogika ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 125 (1) ◽  
pp. 158-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vida Gudžinskienė ◽  
Rita Raudeliūnaitė ◽  
Rokas Uscila
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Foster Care ◽  
Parental Care ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Institutional Care ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
The Family ◽  
Independent Life

The order of the Minister Social Security and Labour of December 18, 2013 adopted The Action Plan for the Transition from Institutional Care to the Family and Community Based Services to the Children with Disabilities and the Children who Have Lost Parental Care for 2014–2020. The purpose of the transition of residential institutions for children from institutional care to family and community-based provision of the services to the children, who have lost parental care, is to ensure a harmonious environment and conditions to the children, who have lost parental care, to grow in the family or household of guardians or adoptive parents and receive assistance in the community. It is important for a child to grow in a family environment which stimulates children’s independence, full and complete participation in the community and social inclusion. When restructuring children’s care homes, it is foreseen to create new and expand the existing community services which are alternative to institutional care: communal children’s care homes of up to 8 children when they are given residence in flats, houses. One of the priorities of the restructuring of children care is to prepare a child for an independent life. While the process of restructuring is underway' no studies', which analyze the improvement of the preparation of children, who reside in the community foster care homes, have been conducted. Therefore, it is relevant to conduct studies on the improvement of the development of independent life skills of children in the context of the restructuring of care homes. The purpose of the study is to reveal the experiences of social workers while educating children for independent living in the community foster care homes. The study questions: 1) What independent living skills children lack while living in the community foster care homes? 2) What difficulties are encountered by social workers while developing the independence of the children of the community foster care homes? 3) How social workers overcome arising difficulties? Qualitative research type was chosen for the study. In the study, the method of a semi-structured interview, which enables to come close to the understanding of human experiences, designation of meanings, the definition of meanings and the construction (explanation) of reality, was used. The obtained data were analyzed by the content analysis method. Qualitative content analysis was carried out in accordance with the inductive, study data based and categories composed logic. According to J. W. Creswell (2009), content analysis is a technique which, having examined the specificities of the text, allows, objectively and systematically, draw reliable conclusions. The qualitative content analysis was performed regarding the following sequence (Creswell, 2009): repeated reading of the content of transcript interview texts, distinction of meaning elements in the text analysed, grouping of the distinguished meaning elements into categories and sub-categories, integration of the categories/sub-categories into the context of the phenomenon analysed and description of their analysis. Criteria-based sample was used in the study. The informants were chosen according to the following criteria: 1) social workers who have a degree in social work, 2) social workers who work in the community foster care homes for children. The study was conducted in the September-October of 2016 in the community foster care homes for children. 10 social workers participated in the study. The study revealed that while preparing the children of the community foster care homes for independent living social workers experience the difficulties in (self-) developing domestic skills (food cooking, shopping, paying bills), social skills (communication and cooperation, organizational) and personal skills (the lack of adequate self-evaluation, self-control skills and self-confidence skills). Social workers, who work in the community foster care homes for children, develop independence skills in children by using verbal methods (individual and group conversations), assigning individual and group practical tasks, drawing on the team of the community foster care homes for children and cooperating with the specialists of other institutions. Social workers hope that the restructuring of institutional care and the changes related to it like creation of domestic environment and the possibilities for household management create better prerequisites for the preparation of children for independent living.

Challenges of Emerging Adulthood among Youth out of Foster Care

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Keyword(s):  
Foster Care ◽  
Young People ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Transition To Adulthood ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Care Services ◽  
The Social ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Positive Support

Youth out of foster care can face various problems related to finding a housing, unemployment, low educational attainmentor lack of interpersonal relationships. The aim of the research was to studythe problems of youth out of foster carein Georgia.Within the qualitative studysemi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted. The findings indicated that youth out of foster carefelt unprepared for life and face some financial, social and psychological challenges which make the transition to adulthood more problematic. They have a problem of unstable housing, employment and community integration.In this criticalperiod of transition, social workers are responsible for supporting adolescence. The study identified very low involvement of the social worker during preparation to age out of foster care. Social workers must continue to work with young people, help thembuild relationships and positive support network. It's recommended to expandfoster care services to the youthwith the aimsof growinglearning and accommodationstability, and employment services.Policy makers should consider housing opportunities for youth out of foster care. Youngsters out of foster carerequire protective preparation and planning, which will help adolescents make this transitioninto adulthood more flexible.

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