Navigating immigrant paths: A case study of unaccompanied youth in foster care

Understanding the experiences of unaccompanied youths in refugee foster care is important to tailor such systems to support the complex needs and desires of these youth. This instrumental case study sought to understand how a cohort of unaccompanied refugee youth experience refugee foster care as they navigate the "in-betweenness" of adolescence. Eight youth (ages 17-21) from Guatemala and Honduras, nine foster parents, and two staff were interviewed. A constructivist grounded theory analytic approach was implemented, which resulted in a substantive theory, Growing up to be independent but alone: Navigating tension between paths. This tension results from youth being pulled to adult and child-like paths by different forces. As youth come of age in the United States, they are expected to fulfill the US vision of adulthood by becoming independent and self-sufficient. However, definitions of adulthood in their cultures of origin involve interdependence and the responsibility to provide for their families. They experience the pressure to become independent as being alone. Findings underscore the need for comprehensive support systems tailored to address the unique challenges faced by unaccompanied youth during their complex migration journey and transition into independence.