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Siblings in foster care: A relational path to resilience for emancipated foster youth

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  • Richardson, Sabrina M.
  • Yates, Tuppett M.

Abstract

Sibling relationships are a powerful influence on child development, one that takes on particular significance in contexts of familial disruption or adversity. This study examined the effect of sibling co-placements during foster care on subsequent educational competence, occupational competence, housing quality, relational adjustment, and civic engagement in a sample of 170 recently emancipated foster youth (66.5% female; Mage=19.63). Analyses evaluated direct relations between the proportion of time spent with a sibling in foster placement and young adult adjustment outcomes, as well as indirect effects from sibling co-placement to later competence through youth's coherence displayed in a narrative of experiences in foster care. The coherence of life narratives develops in the context of primary relationships, including those with siblings, through co-constructed meaning making and emotional discourse, particularly regarding difficult life events. Emancipated foster youth's verbal narratives about their experiences in foster care were evaluated for narrative coherence based on the organization, complexity, and balance of youth's narratives. Analyses documented significant indirect effects of sibling co-placement on young adult competence through narrative coherence. Moreover, moderation analyses indicated that these effects were particularly robust among males. Findings are discussed with respect to relational mechanisms underlying resilience, and the potential for sibling co-placement to provide a relational context for risk and resilience among emancipated foster youth.

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  • Richardson, Sabrina M. & Yates, Tuppett M., 2014. "Siblings in foster care: A relational path to resilience for emancipated foster youth," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 47(P3), pages 378-388.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:47:y:2014:i:p3:p:378-388
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2014.10.015
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Kothari, Brianne H. & Godlewski, Bethany & McBeath, Bowen & McGee, Marjorie & Waid, Jeff & Lipscomb, Shannon & Bank, Lew, 2018. "A longitudinal analysis of school discipline events among youth in foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 117-125.
    3. Stevenson Wojciak, Armeda & Simpson, Jessica E. & Tomfohrde, Olivia & Wang, Guanyu, 2024. "Barriers and facilitators of sibling relationships of youth in foster care from an ecological perspective," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    4. Waid, Jeffrey & Wojciak, Armeda Stevenson, 2017. "Evaluation of a multi-site program designed to strengthen relational bonds for siblings separated by foster care," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 69-77.
    5. Wojciak, Armeda Stevenson & McWey, Lenore M. & Waid, Jeffery, 2018. "Sibling relationships of youth in foster care: A predictor of resilience," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 84(C), pages 247-254.
    6. Konijn, Carolien & Admiraal, Sabine & Baart, Josefiene & van Rooij, Floor & Stams, Geert-Jan & Colonnesi, Cristina & Lindauer, Ramón & Assink, Mark, 2019. "Foster care placement instability: A meta-analytic review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 96(C), pages 483-499.
    7. Waid, Jeffrey & Wojciak, Armeda Stevenson, 2019. "Evaluating the impact of camp-based reunification on the resilience of siblings separated by foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 100(C), pages 274-282.
    8. McCarthy, Lauren Pryce & Lee, Bethany R. & Schagrin, Judith & Loysen, Susan, 2020. "“Knowing that I wasn’t alone”: An evaluation of a therapeutic camp reunifying siblings in foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 117(C).
    9. Novak, Abigail & Benedini, Kristen, 2020. "Sibling separation and self-reported offending: An examination of the association between sibling placement and offending behavior," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 111(C).
    10. Herbster, Julia M. & Ocasio, Kerrie, 2021. "The complex relationship between sibling contact and child and family well-being in foster care: An exploration of child and family functioning in a pre-permanency cohort," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).
    11. Wojciak, Armeda Stevenson & VanMeter, Faith & Waid, Jeffrey, 2024. "Belonging mediates changes to resilience among separated siblings at camp-based reunification intervention," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).

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