Types of Foster Care Wards Preparing for Independence

Introduction: Preparation for independence is one of the primary objectives of foster care. Developing a typology of young people in foster care based on their meaning in life and their personal resources, such as resilience, coping with stress, self-efficacy and self-esteem, can provide valuable guidance on how to effectively support their transition into adulthood. Research Aim: The aim of the study was to identify the types of foster care wards preparing for independence based on their meaning in life and selected personal resources, including resilience, stress management, self-efficacy and self-esteem. Research Method: The study employed a diagnostic survey as the data collection method. The research sample consisted of 230 young people aged 16–20 from both institutional and family foster care settings in Poland. Five research instruments were used: the Author’s Scale of the Meaning of Life, the Resilience Scale by Ogińska-Bulik and Juczyński, Endlers and Parkers’ Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations, the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale by Schwarzer, Jerusalem and Juczyński, the Self-Esteem Scale by Rosenberg. Results: Four distinct types of young people preparing for independence from foster care can be identified differing in their meaning in life and selected personal resources. Conclusion: The quality of foster care wards’ transition into adulthood may depend on the type they represent. Considering their specific type can help tailor support strategies to enhance their preparation for independent living.