IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/cysrev/v48y2015icp140-149.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

It's good to know that you got somebody that's not going anywhere: Attitudes and beliefs of older youth in foster care about child welfare-based natural mentoring

Author

Listed:
  • Greeson, Johanna K.P.
  • Thompson, Allison E.
  • Ali, Samira
  • Wenger, Rebecca Stern

Abstract

This exploratory study is the first to investigate the attitudes and beliefs of older adolescents in foster care toward the implementation of a child welfare-based natural mentoring intervention designed to promote enduring, growth-fostering relationships between youth at risk of emancipation and caring, supportive nonparental adults from within the youth's existing social network. Six focus groups were conducted with 17 older youth in foster care attending a specialized charter high school for young people in out-of-home care in a large, urban city in the Northeast United States. Focus group data were transcribed and analyzed using a conventional content analysis approach. The following significant themes emerged related to natural mentoring for older foster youth emancipating from care: (1) need for permanent relationships with caring adults, (2) youth conceptions of natural mentoring, (3) unique challenges related to natural mentoring for youth in foster care, (4) role of a natural mentoring intervention in child welfare, and (5) challenges for implementing a child welfare-based natural mentoring intervention. Overall, our findings suggest that these young people are cautiously optimistic about the potential of a child welfare-based natural mentoring intervention to promote their social and emotional wellbeing. Future studies are needed to better understand the experiences of older foster youth with an actual natural mentoring intervention, including challenges, opportunities, and outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Greeson, Johanna K.P. & Thompson, Allison E. & Ali, Samira & Wenger, Rebecca Stern, 2015. "It's good to know that you got somebody that's not going anywhere: Attitudes and beliefs of older youth in foster care about child welfare-based natural mentoring," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 48(C), pages 140-149.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:48:y:2015:i:c:p:140-149
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2014.12.015
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0190740914004277
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.childyouth.2014.12.015?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Matta Oshima, Karen M. & Narendorf, Sarah Carter & McMillen, J. Curtis, 2013. "Pregnancy risk among older youth transitioning out of foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 35(10), pages 1760-1765.
    2. Cushing, Gretta & Samuels, Gina Miranda & Kerman, Ben, 2014. "Profiles of relational permanence at 22: Variability in parental supports and outcomes among young adults with foster care histories," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 39(C), pages 73-83.
    3. Mitchell, Penelope F., 2011. "Evidence-based practice in real-world services for young people with complex needs: New opportunities suggested by recent implementation science," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(2), pages 207-216, February.
    4. Samuels, Gina Miranda, 2009. "Ambiguous loss of home: The experience of familial (im)permanence among young adults with foster care backgrounds," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(12), pages 1229-1239, December.
    5. Pecora, Peter J. & Kessler, Ronald C. & O'Brien, Kirk & White, Catherine Roller & Williams, Jason & Hiripi, Eva & English, Diana & White, James & Herrick, Mary Anne, 2006. "Educational and employment outcomes of adults formerly placed in foster care: Results from the Northwest Foster Care Alumni Study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 28(12), pages 1459-1481, December.
    6. Freundlich, Madelyn & Avery, Rosemary Jane & Munson, Sara & Gerstenzang, Sarah, 2006. "The meaning of permanency in child welfare: Multiple stakeholder perspectives," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 28(7), pages 741-760, July.
    7. Munson, Michelle R. & Smalling, Susan E. & Spencer, Renée & Scott Jr., Lionel D. & Tracy, Elizabeth M., 2010. "A steady presence in the midst of change: Non-kin natural mentors in the lives of older youth exiting foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(4), pages 527-535, April.
    8. Samuels, Gina Miranda & Pryce, Julia M., 2008. ""What doesn't kill you makes you stronger": Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk among young adults aging out of foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 30(10), pages 1198-1210, October.
    9. Dworsky, A. & Napolitano, L. & Courtney, M., 2013. "Homelessness during the transition from foster care to adulthood," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(S2), pages 318-323.
    10. Dworsky, Amy, 2005. "The economic self-sufficiency of Wisconsin's former foster youth," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 27(10), pages 1085-1118, October.
    11. Hook, Jennifer L. & Courtney, Mark E., 2011. "Employment outcomes of former foster youth as young adults: The importance of human, personal, and social capital," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(10), pages 1855-1865, October.
    12. DuBois, D.L. & Silverthorn, N., 2005. "Natural mentoring relationships and adolescent health: Evidence from a national study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 95(3), pages 518-524.
    13. Semanchin Jones, Annette & LaLiberte, Traci, 2013. "Measuring youth connections: A component of relational permanence for foster youth," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 35(3), pages 509-517.
    14. Greeson, Johanna K.P. & Usher, Lynn & Grinstein-Weiss, Michal, 2010. "One adult who is crazy about you: Can natural mentoring relationships increase assets among young adults with and without foster care experience?," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(4), pages 565-577, April.
    15. Dworsky, Amy & Courtney, Mark E., 2010. "The risk of teenage pregnancy among transitioning foster youth: Implications for extending state care beyond age 18," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(10), pages 1351-1356, October.
    16. Greeson, Johanna K.P. & Bowen, Natasha K., 2008. ""She holds my hand" The experiences of foster youth with their natural mentors," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 30(10), pages 1178-1188, October.
    17. Munson, Michelle R. & McMillen, J. Curtis, 2009. "Natural mentoring and psychosocial outcomes among older youth transitioning from foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(1), pages 104-111, January.
    18. Avery, Rosemary J., 2010. "An examination of theory and promising practice for achieving permanency for teens before they age out of foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(3), pages 399-408, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Spencer, Renée & Drew, Alison L. & Gowdy, Grace & Horn, John Paul, 2018. "“A positive guiding hand”: A qualitative examination of youth-initiated mentoring and the promotion of interdependence among foster care youth," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 41-50.
    2. Lamb, Brittani A. & Lee, Knoo & Espinoza, Sarah M. & McMorris, Barbara J., 2022. "The power of connectedness: Associations between caring non-parental adult relationships, school attendance, and discipline among foster-involved youth," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 142(C).
    3. Thompson, Allison E. & Greeson, Johanna K.P. & Brunsink, Ashleigh M., 2016. "Natural mentoring among older youth in and aging out of foster care: A systematic review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 40-50.
    4. Okland, Idun & Oterholm, Inger, 2022. "Strengthening supportive networks for care leavers: A scoping review of social support interventions in child welfare services," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).
    5. Semanchin Jones, Annette, 2017. "Youth Connections Scale-Child Version pilot study: Adapted tool for children in out-of-home placement," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 450-455.
    6. Ball, Barbara & Sevillano, Lalaine & Faulkner, Monica & Belseth, Tymothy, 2021. "Agency, genuine support, and emotional connection: Experiences that promote relational permanency in foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 121(C).
    7. Colacchio Wesley, Bridget & Pryce, Julia & Barry, Johanna & Hong, Philip Young P., 2020. "Steadfast benevolence: A new framework for understanding important adult-youth relationships for adolescents in care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 118(C).
    8. Duke, Taylor & Farruggia, Susan P. & Germo, Gary R., 2017. "“I don't know where I would be right now if it wasn't for them”: Emancipated foster care youth and their important non-parental adults," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 65-73.
    9. Heyman, Janna C. & White-Ryan, Linda & Kelly, Peggy & Farmer, G. Lawrence & Leaman, Tara Linh & Davis, Henry J., 2020. "Voices about foster care: The value of trust," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 113(C).
    10. Kothari, Brianne H. & Blakeslee, Jennifer & Miller, Rebecca, 2020. "Individual and interpersonal factors associated with psychosocial functioning among adolescents in foster care: A scoping review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 118(C).
    11. Okpych, Nathanael J. & Courtney, Mark E., 2018. "The role of avoidant attachment on college persistence and completion among youth in foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 90(C), pages 106-117.
    12. Cesar, Gabriel T & Decker, Scott H., 2020. "“CPS Sucks, but… I think I’m better off in the system:” Family, social support, & arts-based mentorship in child protective services," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 118(C).
    13. Atwool, Nicola, 2020. "Transition from care: Are we continuing to set care leavers up to fail in New Zealand?," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 113(C).

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Thompson, Allison E. & Greeson, Johanna K.P. & Brunsink, Ashleigh M., 2016. "Natural mentoring among older youth in and aging out of foster care: A systematic review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 40-50.
    2. Greeson, Johanna K.P. & Garcia, Antonio R. & Kim, Minseop & Thompson, Allison E. & Courtney, Mark E., 2015. "Development & maintenance of social support among aged out foster youth who received independent living services: Results from the Multi-Site Evaluation of Foster Youth Programs," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 1-9.
    3. Semanchin Jones, Annette, 2017. "Youth Connections Scale-Child Version pilot study: Adapted tool for children in out-of-home placement," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 450-455.
    4. Cushing, Gretta & Samuels, Gina Miranda & Kerman, Ben, 2014. "Profiles of relational permanence at 22: Variability in parental supports and outcomes among young adults with foster care histories," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 39(C), pages 73-83.
    5. Schelbe, Lisa, 2018. "Struggles, successes, and setbacks: Youth aging out of child welfare in a subsidized housing program," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 89(C), pages 298-308.
    6. Blakeslee, Jennifer E. & Best, Jared I., 2019. "Understanding support network capacity during the transition from foster care: Youth-identified barriers, facilitators, and enhancement strategies," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 96(C), pages 220-230.
    7. Singer, Erin Rebecca & Berzin, Stephanie Cosner & Hokanson, Kim, 2013. "Voices of former foster youth: Supportive relationships in the transition to adulthood," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 35(12), pages 2110-2117.
    8. Semanchin Jones, Annette & LaLiberte, Traci, 2013. "Measuring youth connections: A component of relational permanence for foster youth," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 35(3), pages 509-517.
    9. Ball, Barbara & Sevillano, Lalaine & Faulkner, Monica & Belseth, Tymothy, 2021. "Agency, genuine support, and emotional connection: Experiences that promote relational permanency in foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 121(C).
    10. Havlicek, Judy & Lin, Ching-Hsuan & Villalpando, Fabiola, 2016. "Web survey of foster youth advisory boards in the United States," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 109-118.
    11. Cassarino-Perez, Luciana & Crous, Gemma & Goemans, Anouk & Montserrat, Carme & Sarriera, Jorge Castellà, 2018. "From care to education and employment: A meta-analysis," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 407-416.
    12. Ahrens, Kym R. & DuBois, David Lane & Garrison, Michelle & Spencer, Renee & Richardson, Laura P. & Lozano, Paula, 2011. "Qualitative exploration of relationships with important non-parental adults in the lives of youth in foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(6), pages 1012-1023, June.
    13. Semanchin Jones, Annette & Bowen, Elizabeth & Ball, Annahita, 2018. "“School definitely failed me, the system failed me”: Identifying opportunities to impact educational outcomes for homeless and child welfare-involved youth," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 66-76.
    14. Zinn, Andrew, 2017. "Predictors of natural mentoring relationships among former foster youth," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 564-575.
    15. Blakeslee, Jennifer E., 2015. "Measuring the support networks of transition-age foster youth: Preliminary validation of a social network assessment for research and practice," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 123-134.
    16. Greeson, Johanna K.P. & Usher, Lynn & Grinstein-Weiss, Michal, 2010. "One adult who is crazy about you: Can natural mentoring relationships increase assets among young adults with and without foster care experience?," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(4), pages 565-577, April.
    17. Duke, Taylor & Farruggia, Susan P. & Germo, Gary R., 2017. "“I don't know where I would be right now if it wasn't for them”: Emancipated foster care youth and their important non-parental adults," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 65-73.
    18. Best, Jared I. & Blakeslee, Jennifer E., 2020. "Perspectives of youth aging out of foster care on relationship strength and closeness in their support networks," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 108(C).
    19. Kelly, Cara & Thornton, Anthony & Anthony, Elizabeth K. & Krysik, Judy, 2021. "“Love. Stability. Boundaries.” Kinship perspectives of social-emotional well-being of youth residing in out-of-home care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 127(C).
    20. Colacchio Wesley, Bridget & Pryce, Julia & Barry, Johanna & Hong, Philip Young P., 2020. "Steadfast benevolence: A new framework for understanding important adult-youth relationships for adolescents in care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 118(C).

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:48:y:2015:i:c:p:140-149. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.elsevier.com/locate/childyouth .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.