Publication year: 2011
Source: Children and Youth Services Review, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 2 September 2011
Sarah Carter, Narendorf , Nicole, Fedoravicius , J. Curtis, McMillen , David, McNelly , Debra R., Robinson
Older youth preparing to emancipate from the foster care system are often served in residential treatment settings where they have limited opportunities to practice skills for independent living in a community setting. Stepping these youth down to less restrictive environments such as treatment foster care is a growing trend, especially for youth with mental health issues. Yet, few studies have explored the youth’s perspective on making this transition. This study utilized qualitative interviews with youths who were participating in a treatment foster care intervention study (n=8) to gain their perspectives on the process of transitioning from residential care. Youths were…
Highlights: ► Youths had high hopes for becoming part of their new foster families. ► Youths looked forward to leaving residential but would miss relationships with staff. ► Youths had insight into potential problems they could encounter in new homes. ► Youths struggled with new relationships and lacked skills for managing challenges.