Interpersonal processes in engaging emerging adults who have "aged out" of foster care
Abstract
A process evaluation, using a multiple case study design, was conducted to obtain a deeper understanding of the underlying dynamics and relational factors that facilitate a program's ability to successfully engage emerging adults who have "aged out" of foster care in services. Specifically, this evaluation sought to understand how contextual and relational factors, such as therapeutic alliance, trust, and empathy impact the engagement of this population in services. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with emerging adults who "aged out" of foster care (N = 3), and were receiving services from the Youth Villages Transitional Living Program at the time they were interviewed. Results from qualitative data analysis highlight the importance of relational factors in engaging this population in services. Specifically, this evaluation provides further insight regarding the establishment of a therapeutic alliance as a mechanism for engaging this population in services. Although this evaluation's small sample size allowed for deeper exploration of the data, it also limited the extent to which the evaluation findings can be generalized to a broader population. Lastly, this evaluation did not include the perspectives of other key stakeholders (e.g., TL Counselors), which might provide additional insight into the process of engaging emerging adults who have "aged out" of foster care in services. Recommendations for future research are provided.
Subject Area
Counseling Psychology
Recommended Citation
Lindsey C Barzizza,
"Interpersonal processes in engaging emerging adults who have "aged out" of foster care"
(2013).
ETD Collection for Tennessee State University.
Paper AAI3611419.
https://digitalscholarship.tnstate.edu/dissertations/AAI3611419