A group that addresses these needs is advantageous in reducing the persisting systemic issues that prove to be obstacles in the way of foster youth’s journey towards self-efficacy. Brown, Courtney, and McMillen (2015) found that “behavioural health needs among young people aging-out of foster care remain high upon exiting care” (p. 167), and that “youth benefit from positive interpersonal relationships with family, peers, and/or community members which lead to more encouraging outcomes…” (Graham et al., 2015, p. 76; Collins et al., 2010; Hass & Graydon, 2009; Kelin, 2012; Pecora, 2012). Positive, recurring and encouraging social and community connections provide a positive model for foster youth aging out of the system. While some foster youth aging out have managed to build positive bonds with adults, many remain disengaged from any type of social support and find themselves very isolated in terms of connections with others (Abrams & Curry, 2014). A significant amount of youth interviewed in a study expressed the fear of being “shot down” if they asked for assistance from others and external resources (Abrams & Curry, 2014), a fear that would be eased in a safe group environment, where trust has been established and positive guided support is implemented. The challenges faced by foster youth aging out of the system in present society mark a cycle of vulnerability and classification of being high-risk to continued exposure in terms of lack of opportunities and access to resources. Implementation of social supports and services to combat this issue is necessary if we are to achieve a more just and balanced
A group that addresses these needs is advantageous in reducing the persisting systemic issues that prove to be obstacles in the way of foster youth’s journey towards self-efficacy. Brown, Courtney, and McMillen (2015) found that “behavioural health needs among young people aging-out of foster care remain high upon exiting care” (p. 167), and that “youth benefit from positive interpersonal relationships with family, peers, and/or community members which lead to more encouraging outcomes…” (Graham et al., 2015, p. 76; Collins et al., 2010; Hass & Graydon, 2009; Kelin, 2012; Pecora, 2012). Positive, recurring and encouraging social and community connections provide a positive model for foster youth aging out of the system. While some foster youth aging out have managed to build positive bonds with adults, many remain disengaged from any type of social support and find themselves very isolated in terms of connections with others (Abrams & Curry, 2014). A significant amount of youth interviewed in a study expressed the fear of being “shot down” if they asked for assistance from others and external resources (Abrams & Curry, 2014), a fear that would be eased in a safe group environment, where trust has been established and positive guided support is implemented. The challenges faced by foster youth aging out of the system in present society mark a cycle of vulnerability and classification of being high-risk to continued exposure in terms of lack of opportunities and access to resources. Implementation of social supports and services to combat this issue is necessary if we are to achieve a more just and balanced