Supportive Relationships Among Former System Youth With Mental Health Challenges

Abstract

This study explored the supportive relationships that former system youth (FSY; e.g., foster care) with mental health challenges identified as "key" in making the transition to adulthood. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 59 FSY, ages 18 to 25, with mental health challenges.Participants were asked to reflect on their relationships with a key helper or what the literature defines as a natural mentor, "an adult that has been particularly helpful, or supportive," in this case with their mental health. Seventy-six percent (N = 45) of the participants identified a key helper. Relationship qualities that emerged as salient to successful transition included consistency, mutuality, and empathy. The nature of support received included emotional, informational, and tangible support. Implications for research, practice, and policy are discussed.

The transition to adulthood from care as a struggle for recognition

“…Another key element in providing the necessery support is facilitating good participation processes where youth are seen as a collaborative partners and where their voices are valued. The findings in this article also underline the need for creating and maintaining supportive relations of consistency and continuity, as also pointed out in previous research (Munson et al, ; Paulsen & Berg, ; Rutman & Hubberstey, ). Such support can be found in both formal and informal relations.…”

“…This gives direction to social works practice and shows how the transitional support needs to focus broadly on the youths' life situation and have a holistic approach where youths feel cared for and loved in key helping relationships (Munson, Brown, Spencer, Edguer, & Tracy, ). It also point at the need for an strength‐based approach.…”

‘Hello, you’re not supposed to be here’: homeless emerging adults’ experiences negotiating food access

“…Meal programmes that invite food recipients to assist in cooking and serving, such as volunteer-run ‘pay as you can’ community cafés and Food Not Bombs, may be more empowering and appealing for many young adults. Lastly, although homeless emerging adults differ in the depth and strength of their social networks, service providers can encourage young people to build and sustain connections with the supportive adults in their lives when possible, as these ‘natural mentors’ may provide access to food as well as other forms of material and intangible assistance ( 35 ) .…”

Striving and Dreaming: A Grounded Theory of the Transition to Adulthood for Cross-Systems Youth

“…You just got to be willing to get the help,” she explained. For systems-involved youth, relationships with caring adults including service providers and program staff often serve as critical sources of instrumental and emotional support in the transition to adulthood (Munson, Brown, Spencer, Edguer, & Tracy, 2015).…”