The social functioning of young adults after termination of their foster care placements and foster child grants

Abstract

The absence of clear policy and practice guidelines aimed at supporting young adults after termination of foster care placements and foster child grants has implications to their psychosocial wellbeing and adjustment to life’s demands. After termination of foster care placements and foster child grants, young adults are reported to be struggling financially, indulging in early and unprotected sex resulting in teenage pregnancy, performing poorly at school, dropping out of school, displaying adverse behaviour, and continuing dependence on family members for basic needs. Exploring the social functioning of young adults after termination of foster care placement and foster child grants is of paramount importance in developing an in-depth understanding of the social work services available to these young adults and in informing social work practice. This qualitative study was conducted with young adults whose foster care placements and foster child grants had been terminated, and with social workers who work in the field of child care and protection in the Department of Social Development in the Johannesburg Metro Region. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed in terms of Tesch’s eight steps as cited in Creswell (2009:186). The following themes emerged from the analysis: experiences that life is “hard” after termination of foster child grants; young adults not coping independently after termination of grants; emotional and relationships consequences due to financial dependency; troubled expectations from social workers; and expectations from the Department of Social Development. Conclusions were drawn from the findings and recommendations were presented.