FOSTERING SUPPORT: AN INVESTIGATION OF SUPPORT SEEKING AND RECEIVING OF FORMER FOSTER YOUTH

Abstract

This thesis explores the experiences of foster children with support seeking and receiving in the context of their biological families, foster families, and from members outside their home(s). Guided by sensitive interaction systems theory, semi-structured interviews were conducted and thematic analysis was employed to investigate the supportive communication experiences of children in foster care. Themes that arose included the varietal experience of those seeking support, the reasons behind the choices to seek from certain biological family members, foster family members, and support workers or other members outside the home, the commonality of both indirect support seeking and direct seeking in certain instances, and the broad array of types of support sought and received. This study expands upon the importance of indirect, nonverbal, and behavioral signals of support seeking. These data also suggest the need to consider new types of support—such as cultural and love support. Theoretical and practical implications of support seeking by foster children are discussed.