Exploring the support services of foster care leavers: An institutional ethnographic study

Research has documented the challenges faced by foster care leavers in their transition to independent living or adult lives revolving around education, employment, accommodation, substance use and criminal involvement. Although studies have investigated the support available to foster care leavers, there is inadequate research on the contribution of social service organisations where most foster leavers receive services. More particularly, in Denmark, child welfare services do not reach foster care leavers as a specific target group beyond 23 years. Therefore, the perspectives of foster care leavers about their experiences with support resources from a non-governmental social service organisation in Denmark were explored. This was an institutional ethnographic study involving in-depth interviews with 17 foster care leavers at the organisation where they received services. Data from the interviews were analysed following a thematic analysis. Themes including networking and social skills, practical support and sense of family were reported. The study demonstrates that the need for social connections and relationships, education and employment is a priority for foster care leavers. Professionals working with foster care leavers should teach the population relevant skills that could help them build healthy relationships with others. Policies should be developed to support the roles performed by such social service organisations to ensure that foster care leavers do not experience difficult transitions into independent living.