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“It's just not right to move a kid that many times:” A qualitative study of how foster care alumni perceive placement moves

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  • Chambers, Ruth M.
  • Crutchfield, Rashida M.
  • Willis, Tasha Y.
  • Cuza, Haydée A.
  • Otero, Angelica
  • Goddu Harper, Stephanie G.
  • Carmichael, Heather

Abstract

Research has demonstrated that children who moved placements multiples times in foster care are more likely to experience poor psychological, social and academic outcomes and less likely to achieve family reunification. However, knowledge remains extremely limited regarding foster youth/alumni's perspectives of placement instability. This study examined two research questions: (1) how do foster care alumni remember their experiences of placement moves in foster care, and (2) how do foster care alumni perceive the consequences of their foster care placement moves on their lives today? Results indicated that participants experienced constant moving that involved loss of relationships, exclusion from placement decisions, difficulty graduating high school, unsafe placements, and feeling unwanted by caregivers. Next, long-term negative consequences of moving included ongoing instability and emotionally distant relationships in adulthood. Remarkably, participants drew on their experiences to develop adaptability and inner strength in the face of these challenges. Results from this study offer recommendations for alternative approaches to address placement instability. Implications for child welfare policy, practice, and research are provided.

Suggested Citation

  • Chambers, Ruth M. & Crutchfield, Rashida M. & Willis, Tasha Y. & Cuza, Haydée A. & Otero, Angelica & Goddu Harper, Stephanie G. & Carmichael, Heather, 2018. "“It's just not right to move a kid that many times:” A qualitative study of how foster care alumni perceive placement moves," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 76-83.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:86:y:2018:i:c:p:76-83
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.01.028
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Havlicek, Judy, 2011. "Lives in motion: A review of former foster youth in the context of their experiences in the child welfare system," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(7), pages 1090-1100, July.
    2. Hyde, Justeen & Kammerer, Nina, 2009. "Adolescents' perspectives on placement moves and congregate settings: Complex and cumulative instabilities in out-of-home care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(2), pages 265-273, February.
    3. 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.
    4. Nybell, Lynn M., 2013. "Locating “youth voice:” Considering the contexts of speaking in foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 35(8), pages 1227-1235.
    5. Cheng, Tyrone C., 2010. "Factors associated with reunification: A longitudinal analysis of long-term foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(10), pages 1311-1316, October.
    6. Chambers, Ruth M. & Crutchfield, Rashida M. & Willis, Tasha Y. & Cuza, Haydée A. & Otero, Angelica & Carmichael, Heather, 2017. "Perspectives: Former foster youth refining the definition of placement moves," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 392-397.
    7. Unrau, Yvonne A., 2007. "Research on placement moves: Seeking the perspective of foster children," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 29(1), pages 122-137, January.
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    1. Gendron-Cloutier, Lauranne & Daigneault, Isabelle & Esposito, Tonino, 2024. "Predictors of placement instability for sexually abused children served by child protection services," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    2. Sattler, Kierra M.P. & Herd, Toria & Font, Sarah A., 2023. "Foster care, kinship care, and the transition to adulthood: Do child welfare system processes explain differences in outcomes?," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 153(C).
    3. Riemersma, Ymke & Harder, Annemiek & Zijlstra, Elianne & Post, Wendy & Kalverboer, Margrite, 2023. "Static and dynamic factors underlying placement instability in residential youth care: A scoping review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 155(C).
    4. Curry, Ashley, 2019. "“If you can't be with this client for some years, don't do it”: Exploring the emotional and relational effects of turnover on youth in the child welfare system," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 374-385.
    5. Chambers, Ruth M. & Crutchfield, Rashida M. & Willis, Tasha Y. & Cuza, Haydée A. & Otero, Angelica & Goddu Harper, Stephanie G. & Carmichael, Heather, 2020. "“Be supportive and understanding of the stress that youth are going through:” Foster care alumni recommendations for youth, caregivers and caseworkers on placement transitions," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 108(C).

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