The social ecological model illustrates the complex relationships between a person and their environment. Reviews of the literature highlight a need to increase our understanding of how social processes affect youth across multiple environmental contexts. We use data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study to test social connections and observant adults in three contexts: neighborhood

In Spain, unaccompanied migrant minors receive care provision from the government. This article analyzes the experience of unaccompanied young migrants in the protection system of Catalonia (Spain) and their preparation for the transition to independent living. A survey with 90 unaccompanied migrant youths who were about to leave care was conducted. The results show that many of the participants were

The goal of the current study is to glean lessons learned from the Fostering Higher Education (FHE) intervention evaluation study to provide concrete strategies for helping other youth-serving organizations overcome barriers to participating in manualized intervention implementation and evaluation. Specifically, this study assesses lessons learned in organizations that serve youth with foster care

Place attachment is the cognitive-emotional bond individuals develop for physical locations. It can develop toward residential settings and is often associated with positive emotions and psychological and physical comfort. Literature in social work, and other social sciences, lack an exploration of the physical features that contribute to the development of place attachment toward residences for children

Youth of color residing in urban areas face elevated risks of vicarious police contact which can intensify feelings of fear, anger, and cynicism toward law enforcement. However, little is known as to how vicarious police stops are patterned across youths’ social circles and how these diverse vicarious exposures shape youths’ attitudes toward and stress about police. The current study analyzed data

Young people in the United States foster care system face unique challenges related to their involvement in the system, often stemming from placement instability, disconnected policy and action, and an overburdened child welfare system. These experiences often result in limited opportunities for self-advocacy and change, difficulties forming quality relationships with peers and important adults, and

It is often unclear what leads to long term success for young adults that spent time in foster care. In this study we examined individual and systemic factors, including time in foster care, involvement in leadership programs, and health insurance coverage, seeking their impact on flourishing. Drawing on a national sample of 379 young adults that spent time in foster care, the survey examined individual

The United States Supreme Court’s decision in Dobb’s v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization has heightened interest in the link between restrictions on abortion access and child maltreatment. Connecting decreased access to abortion to increases in child maltreatment and subsequent foster care entries presents substantive challenges related to the magnitude of any effect of abortion restrictions, methodological

The COVID-19 pandemic posed substantial challenges to all parents and families with children. However, women with substance use disorder (SUD) raising young children were particularly burdened, primarily stemming from their responsibilities and challenges concerning family and parenting, child welfare involvement, and substance use recovery. This qualitative study sought to elucidate the complex intersection

Purpose: Exposure to violence within peer and community contexts, including peer victimization, peers’ dating violence and aggression, exposure to community violence, and having friends in gangs, are independently associated with an increased risk of adolescent dating violence. However, research examining these experiences together in relation to dating violence is limited, particularly among racial

Purpose Transracial adoption (TRA), where parents from one race adopt a child from another race, usually occurs with Black children being adopted by White parents in South Africa. Method Using multiple case studies (seven children) and a qualitative research design, the self-identity (personal and social) of six- to ten-year-old TRA children was explored. Data were collected from the adoptive parents

This study explores the reported experiences of youth in congregate care facilities, focusing on their perceptions of support, relationships, and safety during their time in care. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 young adults, previously placed in group homes or residential facilities in Ohio, to identify themes related to their experiences. Three main themes resulted from the analysis: (1)

Young mothers in foster care and their children face educational, financial, and social challenges. Maternity group homes (MGHs) offer one intervention to mitigate poor outcomes. Yet, information about the experiences of mothers transitioning from MGHs is limited. Using Kool’s Theory of Adolescent Identity Development, this study examines mothers’ transitions out of MGHs and the role of formal and

10% of children worldwide live in households without a biological parent, and 5.4 million children live in residential care institutions. This study describes a participatory, child-informed process of developing a multidimensional measure of child subjective well-being tailored towards the priorities of children who have lived in residential care. Eight focus groups were held with n = 49 adolescents

Purpose Research has demonstrated a link between out-of-home foster care and subsequent juvenile justice involvement. Understanding factors that may contribute to dual system involvement for young people who entered foster care is essential for disrupting this relationship. Method We used population-based linked administrative records to examine the prevalence of juvenile delinquency court petitions

Placement instability for children in foster care is high, with children experiencing nearly 4.5 placement moves per 1,000 days in care on average. While prior research has demonstrated a predictive relationship between mental health problems and placement instability, few studies have examined the associations of specific mental health diagnoses or utilization of mental health (MH) services. To this

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of major depressive disorder symptoms (MDDs) and generalized anxiety disorder symptoms (GADs) among female adolescents in Nepal. In a national cross-sectional population-based survey of female adolescents (N = 1379; 15–19 years) in Nepal, MDDs was assessed with the PHQ-9 and GADs with the GAD-7. Logistic and Poisson regression

Suicide poses a significant public health concern, particularly among adolescents and youth exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). However, little research exists on understanding ACEs’ prevalence and suicidality consequences in Zimbabwe. Therefore, this study examined the prevalence and association between individual and cumulative ACEs with suicide risk among adolescents and youth in Zimbabwe

The purpose of this qualitative study explores psycho-social professionals’ perceptions of sibling sexual abuse (SSA) in Israel. The research question was: How do psycho-social professionals who work in the field of child sexual abuse in Israel in various roles, perceive SSA? The study was designed and conducted according to descriptive qualitative research that aims to explore a phenomenon within

The educational system is the leading referral source for Black families involved in Ontario’s child system. Across both the education and child welfare systems, Black youth face disparities and numerous challenges such as instability, isolation, and difficulty navigating relationships with peers and staff. Though it is established that Black youth experience challenging circumstances and poor outcomes

Adverse childhood experiences, such as abuse and neglect, have been shown to have longstanding negative consequences on a child’s development and outcomes. Studies have noted that there is variation in how youth in child welfare respond to adversity, yet few studies have examined the psychometrics of measures of resilience in this population. In particular, the 14-item Resilience Scale (RS-14) is a

This article presents empirical findings about children’s experiences in the closed childcare institution service (CCIS) in Estonia and the assistance children receive from their own perspectives and those of parents and practitioners. The study draws on the lived experiences of 12 children/young people, four parents, and 26 practitioners working with children in need in the CCIS system through interviews

A large and growing number of colleges and universities have invested in the development of campus support programs (CSPs) that specifically aim to support students with experience in foster care (SEFC). However, the evidence base for CSPs remains quite limited. The current study seeks to contribute to the literature with a mixed methods evaluation of two CSPs in Georgia, one at a 2-year technical

Cyberbullying, which has become more widespread with individuals’ increased use of technology, occurs when someone or a group of people intentionally harms by using technology. Millions of adolescents spend time in the online environment, yet little is known about the effects of psychological resilience, self-efficacy, and metacognition on the risk of cyberbullying. A total of 574 high school students

Purpose The aim of this study is to analyze mothers’ narratives about their children’s life situation while living at domestic violence shelters in Sweden. More precisely, the analysis focuses on determining what aspects are highlighted as being most important for the children’s living situation during their stay. Method This study is based on interviews with mothers who have experience of living at

Juvenile Justice (JJ) involvement disproportionately impacts Black youth. While there is literature on the relationship between both connectedness and the perceived neighborhood environment (PNE) on mental health among Black youth, few studies focus on these aspects among Black youth in the juvenile justice system – particularly among those adjudicated guilty as serious offenders. Purpose: The current

The aim of the study was to examine the role of executive functioning on both alcohol and illegal substance use among a longitudinal sample of adolescent offenders. Time spent involved in the justice system places individuals at risk for substance use disorders, along with housing issues and an increased risk for future delinquent behavior. Executive function, or our decision-making processes, plays

Young people under child protection orders are a vulnerable group and their vulnerability and risk of exploitation increases if they leave approved out-of-home care placements (residential and foster care) and stay in unapproved arrangements. These arrangements are often temporary, insecure and may expose young people to exploitation and harm. Despite their heightened vulnerability, there are limited

This study explores Black Canadian youth’s relationship with religion and the impact religion has on their mental health and wellbeing. In addition, we probed promising practices for religious leaders and service providers who want to improve Black youth’s access to care. The results of this article draw from a larger study that aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators to mental healthcare for

Foster parents serve a critical role in the child welfare system; however, many report being dissatisfied with their role. As such, dissatisfied foster parents are at risk of disruption and turnover, ultimately resulting in placement moves for youth in care. Placement moves have negative impacts on youth well-being, prompting a need to explore issues related to placement longevity related to foster

Adventure therapy (AT) settings are diverse and range from school and community settings to outdoor wilderness and bush settings. However, due to the complex and diverse nature of AT, the specific practices associated with the facilitation of AT can be unclear and have been referred to as the black box. To shine light into at least one corner of the black box and understand the practices of AT facilitators

Adverse childhood experiences research has shown that supportive and secure attachment experiences can buffer against stress exposure during periods of high brain development and promote new patterns of tolerance to stress. This article draws on attachment theory to critically examine the importance of positive relationships for youth who have experienced trauma in promoting the development of neural

Using a community-based participatory research approach, we conducted a survey of 218 food pantry recipients in the south Bronx to determine predictors of food insecurity and childhood hunger. In adjusted multiple regression models, statistically significant risk factors for food insecurity included: having one or more children and not having health insurance. Statistically significant protectors against

This study utilized a quasi-experimental, pretest–posttest design to evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based program (Power of Dad; POD) for promoting inner-city, low-income, fatherless boys’ psychosocial well-being. This program provides these boys with a 5-month experiential curriculum that includes psychological health and social skills. Graduates from the program were compared to a control