Care-Leavers’ Efforts to Build Resilience Through Relationships of Belonging

Bibliographic Data

ID22097623
AuthorsSasambal Reuben (0009-0003-6316-1127, University of Johannesburg), Adrian D Van Breda (0000-0002-9984-9180, University of Johannesburg)
Year2024
Volume60
Issue2
Publication date2024-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSocial Work/Maatskaplike Werk (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2312-7198 • E-ISSN: 0037-8054
PublisherStellenbosch University (PUBLISHER • ZA)
DOI10.15270/60-2-1300
OpenAlexW4399679375
LanguageEN
Citations received3

This article aims to deepen and theorise our understanding of the need for belonging among young people transitioning out of residential care. The study adopted a qualitative approach, with a sample of 31 residential care-leavers in South Africa, who were followed-up annually for seven years. It addresses the lack of theoretically informed studies and builds an indigenous theory to explain the care-leaving journey. This paper presents findings on care-leavers’ deep desire for authentic belonging, their investment in building authentic relationships, and their frustration and failure in doing so. Implications for practice suggest an imperative to build care-leavers’ sense of belonging after removal from home to care, which will ultimately lead to building resilience. Social workers and child and youth care workers need to co-build networks of belonging to foster young people’s perceptions of themselves and the part that belonging plays in their post-care reintegration. Keywords: aging out of care, belonging, care-leaving theory, leaving care, resilience

Sociology · Employment and Welfare Studies · Migration, Aging, and Tourism Studies · Psychology · Resilience and Mental Health

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