Understanding Resilience in Foster Youth During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for everyone, but for youth in foster care, the impact has been particularly profound. A recent study titled “Just being there, like a shoulder to lean on”: Resilience and Mental Health among Older Youth in and Aged out of Foster Care during COVID-19 sheds light on how these young individuals have navigated the pandemic's challenges. This blog explores the findings of this study and offers insights for practitioners on how to support foster youth in building resilience.
Key Findings from the Study
The study focused on older youth, aged 18-23, who are either currently in or have aged out of foster care. It highlighted three main themes that contribute to resilience:
- Supportive Relationships: The presence of supportive relationships, whether with peers, romantic partners, or system professionals like therapists, plays a crucial role in fostering resilience. These relationships provide emotional support and practical assistance, helping youth navigate the challenges of the pandemic.
- Adaptive Coping Skills: Youth employed various coping strategies to manage their mental health, such as engaging in creative activities, maintaining a positive mindset, and seeking external support. These adaptive skills are vital for mitigating the impact of stress and anxiety.
- Environmental and Institutional Supports: Access to stable housing, educational opportunities, and mental health services are critical factors in supporting resilience. However, gaps in these areas can exacerbate the challenges faced by foster youth.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners working with foster youth, the study offers several actionable insights:
- Foster Supportive Relationships: Encourage youth to build and maintain supportive relationships. This can include facilitating connections with mentors, peers, and community members who can offer guidance and support.
- Promote Adaptive Coping Skills: Help youth identify and develop coping strategies that work for them. This could involve introducing them to activities like journaling, art, or exercise, which can be therapeutic.
- Advocate for Access to Resources: Work to ensure that foster youth have access to necessary resources, such as mental health services, stable housing, and educational opportunities. Advocacy can play a significant role in bridging the gaps in support systems.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides valuable insights, there is still much to learn about the resilience of foster youth. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in further research and exploration to better understand the unique challenges and strengths of this population. By doing so, they can contribute to the development of more effective interventions and support systems.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: "Just being there, like a shoulder to lean on": Resilience and Mental Health among Older Youth in and Aged out of Foster Care during COVID-19.
