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“I just want to be a regular kid:” A qualitative study of sense of belonging among high school youth in foster care

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  • Johnson, Royel M.
  • Strayhorn, Terrell L.
  • Parler, Bridget

Abstract

In this study, we drew on qualitative data gathered during in-depth focus groups with 46 high school youth in foster care. The goal of this research was to center and amplify the often-unheard voices of youth in foster care and their experiences in high school. Drawing on sense of belonging as a theoretical framework, we addressed the following questions: (a) How do youth in foster care describe and make meaning of their sense of belonging in high school? (b) What factors help facilitate or thwart belongingness among high school youth in foster care? The first finding from this study offers insights about how students negotiated disclosure of their “foster identity,” both as a strategy for “fitting in” at school and as a buffer against the negative consequences of stigma. The second finding presented offers insights into how educational instability, as a result of changes in residential placement, reduced their sense of belonging by requiring them to sever ties with their established communities. Implications for policy, practice, and research are delineated.

Suggested Citation

  • Johnson, Royel M. & Strayhorn, Terrell L. & Parler, Bridget, 2020. "“I just want to be a regular kid:” A qualitative study of sense of belonging among high school youth in foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 111(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:111:y:2020:i:c:s019074091930831x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.104832
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Day, Angelique & Riebschleger, Joanne & Dworsky, Amy & Damashek, Amy & Fogarty, Kieran, 2012. "Maximizing educational opportunities for youth aging out of foster care by engaging youth voices in a partnership for social change," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 34(5), pages 1007-1014.
    2. Unrau, Yvonne A. & Seita, John R. & Putney, Kristin S., 2008. "Former foster youth remember multiple placement moves: A journey of loss and hope," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 30(11), pages 1256-1266, November.
    3. Nancy Leech & Anthony Onwuegbuzie, 2009. "A typology of mixed methods research designs," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 43(2), pages 265-275, March.
    4. 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.
    5. Hass, Michael & Allen, Quaylan & Amoah, Michelle, 2014. "Turning points and resilience of academically successful foster youth," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 387-392.
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    1. Camuñas, Nuria & Vaíllo, María & Mavrou, Irini & Brígido, María & Poole Quintana, Miriam, 2020. "Cognitive and behavioural profile of minors in residential care: The role of executive functions," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    2. Unrau, Yvonne A. & Dawson, Ann W. & Anthony, Jonathan C. & Toutant, Tamara M. & Hamilton, Ronicka D., 2020. "An exploration of life outcomes for college graduates with foster care histories by race: Preliminary results from a campus-based program," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 116(C).

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