Aging out of the child welfare system: transition to adulthood from the service provider perspective

The challenges associated with the transition to adulthood for former foster youth are well documented within the current literature, but there is limited knowledge available on service providers’ perspective on this transition. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six service providers, and the transcripts were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Three master themes were discovered: Unprepared and underserviced transition to adulthood; Insecure attachment with the service system; and Ability of the interpersonal relationship with service providers to meet attachment needs. The results demonstrated the influence of past support experiences on present interactions with the service system and how addressing the interpersonal relationship between former foster youth and service providers is essential in increasing engagement with services. Service providers have a unique role in the lives of former foster youth, and this connection could support former foster youth to overcome past negative experiences and create healthier patterns of attachment.

Authors

• Nixon, Sarah
• University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education

• Counseling
• Ex-foster children -- Canada
• Ex-foster children — Services for -- Canada
• Foster children -- Canada
• Dissertations, Academic

Identifier

hdl:10133/5696

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:opus.uleth.ca:10133/5696