Exploring social supports created and maintained by transition-age Youth: A thematic analysis

Background

Youth exiting foster care face significant challenges in their transition to adulthood, yet few studies have explored the social supports that may help them navigate this period.

Objective

This study asked three research questions including: How do transition-age youth (TAY) (1) create and (2) maintain social connections; and (3) How do social connections support TAY in emerging adulthood? Participants and Setting: This study included 16 Transition-Age Youth (TAY), aged 18–25 years, who had recently left foster care or were receiving extended services in one Southeastern state.

Methods

Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and analyzed with thematic analysis.

Findings

Several key findings were identified. First, themes identified that: (1) TAY are self-driven to create and leverage social connections; (2) TAY build connections through formal support systems; and (3) TAY value peer-led connections, advocacy, and support. Second, themes explained that TAY maintained social support networks and included: (1) TAY navigate system barriers to maintain relationships with their family of origin; (2) TAY are motivated and purposeful in maintaining relationships; and (3) TAY maintain relationships that were formalized through their foster care experience. Third, themes suggested that formal and informal social supports are critical as: (1) Formal structures provide support that help TAY emerge into adulthood; and (2) A sense of belonging provides anchors and purpose for TAY.

Conclusion

TAY utilize various strengths and strategies to create and maintain social supports. Moreover, results demonstrate the importance of formal supports to assist TAY in emerging into adulthood.