FOSTERING POSITIVE BONDS: EXPLORING KEY INFLUENCES ON FOSTER YOUTH-FOSTER PARENT RELATIONSHIPS

Each year, thousands of children enter the U.S. foster care system and spend a significant amount of time in out-of-home care. Unfortunately, many of these children face placement instability, exacerbating the stress and trauma they undergo in addition to the inherent challenges of being in foster care. Recognizing the pivotal role of the foster youth-foster parent relationship due to the prolonged time spent in foster homes, this study aimed to explore influential factors in developing positive relationships from the perspective of former foster youth. Employing a qualitative research design, the study conducted individual virtual interviews, and subsequent data analysis identified significant themes using a coding process. The study’s findings will enhance social work practice by offering insights and guidance, informed by former foster youth, to improve the foster youth-foster parent relationship.