Saskatchewan youth in care: Exploring the perceived role of attachment in fostering resilience
Date
2019-05-10
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
0000-0001-7562-1109
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
Growing numbers of children in youth are in out-of-home care, and the complexity of the challenges and outcomes they face is an issue that continues to require attention. In Canada, the overrepresentation of indigenous youth in out-of-home care has been identified as an important issue needing to be addressed as a priority. A significant portion of the literature examines risk factors and negative outcomes, with resiliency only more recently becoming an area of focus. This narrative study examines the lived experiences of 6 individuals with varying involvement in the child-welfare system and their perspectives on how to foster resilience in children in youth experiencing out-of-home care. In depth interviews were conducted to explore the overarching questions of what role attachment might play in fostering resilience in this demographic. Sub questions explored other factors that may also contribute to this goal. Findings indicate that central to supporting and fostering resilience in children and youth is the role of relationships. Subthemes identified role of values, and need for increased supports and understanding. Implications of these findings extend beyond the child and indicate a need to consider the systems surrounding the child. The child’s resilience is influenced greatly by surrounding support systems and how those function, such as the foster parent, the biological family, and the child welfare system. Just as the needs of children and youth in out-of-home care are complex and diverse, so are the ways we can better support this demographic and those who play critical roles in helping foster resilience in them.
Description
Keywords
Attachment, resilience, out-of-home care, child welfare system, Saskatchewan, relationship, childhood adversity, childhood trauma,
Citation
Degree
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Department
Educational Psychology and Special Education
Program
School and Counselling Psychology