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Perceptions of readiness to leave care among adolescents in foster care in Israel

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  • Benbenishty, Rami
  • Schiff, Miriam

Abstract

The focus of this study is on how Israeli adolescents in their last years of stay in foster care view their readiness for independent living in multiple areas, such as work, education and money management. The study tests a series of hypotheses regarding factors associated with readiness: Background of family of origin, placement history, Relationships with foster family, relationships with biological family while in care and current functioning. A sample of 66 (32 females) adolescents in foster care in Israel ages 16-18 were interviewed face to face. In addition, their social workers completed a structured questionnaire to report on the adolescents' background and current functioning. Overall, adolescents presented a positive view of their readiness in most areas. They felt less ready mainly in their abilities to secure financial resources for school and housing. Background variables and workers' reports did not predict readiness. Youth's perceptions of relationships with foster family, social support, educational achievements and the avoidance of substance abuse were correlated positively with perceived readiness. The discussion examines the potential positive and negative implications of an optimistic view of readiness and presents implications for practice. Policy implications are suggested for preparing youth while in care and after they leave care.

Suggested Citation

  • Benbenishty, Rami & Schiff, Miriam, 2009. "Perceptions of readiness to leave care among adolescents in foster care in Israel," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(6), pages 662-669, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:31:y:2009:i:6:p:662-669
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Dutta, Satarupa, 2017. "Life after leaving care: Experiences of young Indian girls," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 266-273.
    5. Melkman, Eran & Refaeli, Tehila & Benbenishty, Rami, 2016. "An empirical test of a model of academic expectations among youth in residential care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 133-141.
    6. Dumont, Annie & Lanctôt, Nadine & Paquette, Geneviève, 2022. "“I had a shitty past; I want a great future.”: Hopes and fears of vulnerable adolescent girls aging out of care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 134(C).
    7. Sulimani-Aidan, Yafit, 2018. "Assets and pathways in achieving future goals of residential care alumni," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 89(C), pages 71-76.
    8. Sulimani-Aidan, Yafit & Benbenishty, Rami, 2011. "Future expectations of adolescents in residential care in Israel," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(7), pages 1134-1141, July.
    9. Refaeli, Tehila & Benbenishty, Rami & Zeira, Anat, 2019. "Predictors of life satisfaction among care leavers: A mixed-method longitudinal study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 146-155.
    10. Sulimani-Aidan, Yafit, 2015. "Do they get what they expect?: The connection between young adults' future expectations before leaving care and outcomes after leaving care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 193-200.
    11. Harder, Annemiek T. & Mann-Feder, Varda & Oterholm, Inger & Refaeli, Tehila, 2020. "Supporting transitions to adulthood for youth leaving care: Consensus based principles," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 116(C).
    12. Sulimani-Aidan, Yafit & Melkman, Eran, 2024. "A comparative analysis of protective and promotive factors of at-risk youth in the community and in residential care settings in Israel," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
    13. Zeira, Anat & Benbenishty, Rami, 2011. "Readiness for independent living of adolescents in youth villages in Israel," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(12), pages 2461-2468.
    14. Sulimani-Aidan, Yafit, 2017. "To dream the impossible dream: Care leavers' challenges and barriers in pursuing their future expectations and goals," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 332-339.
    15. Sulimani-Aidan, Yafit & Tayri-Schwartz, Talia, 2021. "The role of natural mentoring and sense of belonging in enhancing resilience among youth in care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 120(C).
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