title: In search of connection: The foster youth and caregiver relationship.
abstract: Placement instability is an ongoing challenge for the 125,000 foster youth aged 14 - 18 that are living in foster care, with youth living in approximately 3 placements before aging out of the system. Despite the importance caring adult relationships can play in promoting positive youth development and resiliency, there has been limited inquiry into the characteristics of the foster youth and caregiver relationship. The goal of this paper is to provide a descriptive account of the foster youth and caregiver relationship, and explore what qualities and experiences foster youth desire from their caregivers. Qualitative data were gathered from 9 focus groups. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis approaches. Foster youth, caregivers, and child welfare staff described relationships lacking in formative bonds and connection, where youth didn't "fit in", and chaotic homes marked by reactivity and judgment. Characteristics of supportive foster homes include a sense of belonging, structure, guidance, and consistency. This research underscores the important role positive relationships can play in foster youth's feelings of well-being and points to the need for foster parent training to include tangible strategies to develop stronger bonds.
authors.affiliation: School of Social Work, University of Washington, Box 354900 Seattle, WA, USA.
authors.forename: Heather L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Storer
authors.affiliation: Partners for Our Children, School of Social Work, University of Washington, Box 359476, Seattle, WA, USA.
authors.forename: Susan E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Barkan
authors.affiliation: School of Social Work, University of Washington, Box 354900 Seattle, WA, USA.
authors.forename: Linnea L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Stenhouse
authors.affiliation: Partners for Our Children, School of Social Work, University of Washington, Box 359476, Seattle, WA, USA.
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Eichenlaub
authors.affiliation: Partners for Our Children, School of Social Work, University of Washington, Box 359476, Seattle, WA, USA.
authors.forename: Anastasia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mallillin
authors.affiliation: Social Development Research Group, School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
authors.forename: Kevin P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Haggerty
keywords: bonding; connection; foster caregiving support; foster youth