자립준비 청년의 ‘아동복지시설 아동 치료·재활지원 사업’ 참여 경험에 대한 초점집단 인터뷰 연구: 사업 평가 및 개선방안을 중심으로

A Focus Group Interview Study on the Experiences of Youths Transitioning out of Foster Care Participated in the ‘Psychotherapy and Counseling Services for Children in Foster Care’: Focusing on Program Evaluation and Improvement Measures

Background/Objectives: This study conducted a focus group interview (FGI) with youths transitioning out of foster care who participated in the “Psychotherapy and Counseling Services for Children in Foster Care.” It examined the impact and significance of the program on the adaptation in foster care and their transition to independence after moving out of care. Additionally, it explored participants’ experiences with the treatment process and identified areas for improvement to enhance the program’s effectiveness. Methods: A FGI was conducted for two hours with three youths who had experience participating in the services. Results: The “Psychotherapy and Counseling Services for Children in Foster Care” helped the participants increase self-esteem, reduce behavior problems, and become self-reliant after transitioning out of care. Furthermore, regarding business improvement, there was consideration of the stigma effect that may occur during the treatment selection process, changes in the therapist in the course of treatment, provision of specific information about treatment to beneficiary children, inspection of psychotherapy centers, and securing individual treatment time and space. It was found that even after transitioning out of foster care, psychotherapy and intervention should be expanded for the youths, and counseling of care workers who directly nurture children in the foster care was necessary. Conclusion/Implications: The services helped reduce participants’ behavior problems in foster care and supported their independence after transitioning out of care. However, it is necessary to expand psychotherapy after transitioning and provide counseling for care workers who directly nurture children in foster care.