가정위탁 보호종료 성인의 생활경험에 관한 질적 연구

A Qualitative Study on the Lived Experience of the Adults Aged out of Foster Care : Based on Washington State, US

The purpose of this study was to understand the lived experiences of adults aged out of foster care. To achieve this, we conducted in-depth interviews with 5 adults aged out of foster care. The data were analyzed and integrated using the context-pattern analysis method. The analyzed data were grouped according to three sub-contexts (foster care, family, and community). For the first sub-context of ‘foster care’, life meanings attached to events and people involved in foster care were discovered. The second sub-context, ‘family’ included meanings of relationship with their care-givers, foster or biological families. The third sub-context, ‘community’ was defined as interactions and life events within the community. Lastly, the common theme of life-crisis experiences, including family crisis, drifting, mental health issues, incarceration, and homelessness emerged across the three sub-contexts. Based on the results, policy and practical guidelines to better serve and enhance the well-being of adults aged out of foster care were suggested.