Social Work Commons^™

Development, Feasibility, And Piloting Of A Novel Natural Mentoring Intervention For Older Youth In Foster Care, Johanna K.P. Greeson, Allison E. Thompson

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

Natural Mentoring Among Older Youth In And Aging Out Of Foster Care: A Systematic Review, Allison E. Thompson, Johanna K.P. Greeson

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

It's Good To Know That You Got Somebody That's Not Going Anywhere: Attitudes And Beliefs Of Older Youth In Foster Care About Child Welfare-Based Natural Mentoring, Johanna K.P. Greeson, Allison E. Thompson, Samira Ali, Rebecca Stern Wenger

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

This exploratory study is the first to investigate the attitudes and beliefs of older adolescents in foster care toward the implementation of a child welfare-based natural mentoring intervention designed to promote enduring, growth-fostering relationships between youth at risk of emancipation and caring, supportive nonparental adults from within the youth's existing social network. Six focus groups were conducted with 17 older youth in foster care attending a specialized charter high school for young people in out-of-home care in a large, urban city in the Northeast United States. Focus group data were transcribed and analyzed using a conventional content analysis approach. The …

Aging Out Of Foster Care, Johanna K.P. Greeson, Allison E. Thompson

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a significant developmental stage. When foster youth age out of the child welfare system, they are at risk of having to transition without family support. This chapter applies the life course perspective to describe the theoretical and contextual foundation that explains the hardships foster youth experience when emancipated from the US child welfare system. Next, the theoretical basis for natural mentoring among foster youth is explored using the resiliency perspective to frame the discussion. Then, current research on natural mentoring among foster youth is reviewed. Implications are drawn for US child welfare practice, …

Child Welfare Professionals’ Attitudes And Beliefs About Child-Welfare Based Natural Mentoring For Older Youth In Foster Care, Johanna K.P. Greeson, Allison E. Thompson, Michelle Evans-Chase, Samira Ali

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

This qualitative study is the first to explore child welfare professionals’ attitudes and beliefs about implementing natural mentoring as a promising way to smooth the road to independence for older foster youth. The term, “natural mentor,” refers to a nonparental, caring adult whom a youth identifies in his/her existing social network (e.g., teachers, coaches, adult relatives). Five focus groups were conducted with 20 child welfare professionals from a Department of Human Services (DHS) located in a large urban city in the Northeast United States. This study used the EPIS (Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment) framework to explicate the organizational challenges …

Foster Youth & The Transition To Adulthood: The Theoretical & Conceptual Basis For Natural Mentoring, Johanna K.P. Greeson

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

The transition from adolescence to adulthood is considered a significant developmental stage in a young person’s growth. Most youth receive family support to help them weather the difficulties associated with this stage. When foster youth age out of the child welfare system, they confront the challenges associated with this developmental stage and are at risk of having to transition without family support. This article applies the life course perspective to describe the theoretical and contextual foundation that explains the hardships foster youth experience when they emancipate from the U.S. child welfare system. Next, the theoretical basis for natural mentoring among …

One Adult Who Is Crazy About You: Can Natural Mentoring Relationships Increase Assets Among Young Adults With And Without Foster Care Experience?, Johanna K.P. Greeson, C. Lynn Usher, Michal Grinstein-Weiss

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

During emerging adulthood, most youth receive family support to help them weather the difficulties associated with transitioning to independence. When foster youth emancipate, they confront the challenges associated with emerging adulthood, and are at risk of having to transition without family support. Many are in danger of failing to meet minimal levels of self-sufficiency. A caring adult who offers social support is normative for adolescent development and protective for youth across many risk conditions. Natural mentoring can cultivate such relationships. This study examines the association between natural mentor relationship characteristics, and material hardship and asset-related outcomes during the emerging adulthood …

“She Holds My Hand”: The Experiences Of Foster Youth With Their Natural Mentors, Johanna K.P. Greeson, Natasha K. Bowen

Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP

The vulnerability and adversity that youth frequently experience following aging out of foster care are well-documented. However, much less is known about the positive experiences and healthy relationships that may buffer these youth from the negative outcomes following emancipation. Utilizing a strengths perspective, this exploratory study gathered qualitative data about the experiences of older foster youth with their natural mentors. Although other at-risk and marginalized groups are represented in the natural mentoring literature, representation of female foster youth of color is scarce. Seven female foster youth of color were individually interviewed using a semi-structured protocol. Data were analyzed using the …