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Profiles of relational permanence at 22: Variability in parental supports and outcomes among young adults with foster care histories

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  • Cushing, Gretta
  • Samuels, Gina Miranda
  • Kerman, Ben

Abstract

Alumni of foster care are at considerable risk for transitioning to adulthood without supportive parental relationships due to significant disruptions of these relationships and histories of maltreatment. This study investigated key dimensions of parental support (care, dependability and financial support) in relationships with birth parents and parental figures among young adults who received foster care and exited to diverse permanency outcomes. Using Latent Class Analysis, four groups were identified indicating young adults who had (a) connections to both birth parents and parental figures; (b) minimal connections; (c) some connection to parental figure; and (d) some connection to birth parent. Young adults who reported connections with both birth parents and parental figures reported better outcomes, while those who reported minimal connections had least optimal outcomes. An examination of antecedent characteristics indicated a modest role of legal permanence. Results here highlight a need for inclusive child welfare practices that honor the family fluidity that foster youth experience and privilege relationship quality over legal permanence, particularly for older youth in foster care. Greater methodological rigor in the assessment and study of relational permanence and its potential to offset risks among maltreated youth in foster care is called for.

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  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:39:y:2014:i:c:p:73-83
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2014.01.001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. 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.
    3. Rosenberg, Rachel, 2019. "Social networks of youth transitioning from foster care to adulthood," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 107(C).
    4. 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.
    5. 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.
    6. Blakeslee, Jennifer & Kothari, Brianne H. & McBeath, Bowen & Sorenson, Paul & Bank, Lew, 2017. "Network indicators of the social ecology of adolescents in relative and non-relative Foster households," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 173-181.
    7. 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.
    8. Williams-Butler, Abigail, 2018. "Reducing delinquency among African American youth in foster care: Does gender make a difference in crossover prevention?," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 563-571.
    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. Rolock, Nancy & White, Kevin & Blakey, Joan M. & Ocasio, Kerrie & Korsch-Williams, Amy & Flanigan, Chelsea & Bai, Rong & Faulkner, Monica & Marra, Laura & Fong, Rowena, 2023. "Living apart after adoption or guardianship: Perspectives of adoptive parents and guardians," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 153(C).
    11. 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).

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