Communication correlation: Determining the link between communication styles and perceptions amongst foster caregivers and foster youth and the potential for future addictive behaviors

The goal of this qualitative study is to determine whether communication may act as a protective factor for foster families, and whether there are sufficient training and resources available to improve communication skills. Participants include current foster homes that house youth aged 12-19, and former foster youth that are no longer in the foster care system. Participants took a short survey and were then interviewed to gain their perspectives on communication, drugs and alcohol, and current foster care trainings. Former foster youth and current foster parents reported the need to improve communication is great. Former foster youth reported a lack of communication and drug and alcohol training during their time in care. Foster parents perceive foster youth to be at an increased risk of drug and alcohol usage due to their trauma, and each parent agreed that they could benefit from communication skills building training options. Oklahoma’s foster care system would greatly benefit from requiring communication specific trainings, especially to households that plan to house teenage foster youth. The lack of emphasis on effective and healthy communication coupled with the perceived increased risk for foster youth brings to light the need for Oklahoma’s Department of Human Services to assess current training offerings and provide more adequate resources for foster parents and youth alike.