A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH ON THE LONG-TERM IMPACT OF(OUT-OF-HOME-CARE) FOSTER CARE (HOME) ON CHILDREN'S SELF-ESTEEM AND ABILITY TO FORM SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS: PERSPECTIVES OF ADULTS WHO AGED OUT OF FOSTER CARE IN AALBORG.
Author
UGO, MAXIMUS NZECHUKWU
Term
4. Semester
Publication year
2023
Abstract
This thesis explores how foster care shapes adults’ self-esteem and capacity to form social relationships, drawing on the perspectives of people who aged out of foster care in Aalborg. Grounded in attachment theory, the study used qualitative, semi-structured interviews with care leavers engaged through the aftercare organization Baglandet-Aalborg, analyzed using a phenomenological approach. Findings indicate that the quality of the relationship and attachment between foster children and their caregivers has a lasting influence on how participants value themselves and relate to others in adulthood. The thesis also highlights that aftercare and community in organizations such as Baglandet can provide social support, expand networks, and foster a sense of family belonging for individuals with limited resources. Based on these insights, the study recommends that social workers and foster caregivers prioritize secure attachment within placements, and that municipalities ensure aftercare is accessible to all care leavers regardless of age and not contingent on predicted positive outcomes.
Denne afhandling undersøger, hvordan plejeforløb påvirker voksnes selvværd og evne til at skabe sociale relationer set fra perspektivet hos personer, der er vokset ud af plejefamilie i Aalborg. Med udgangspunkt i tilknytningsteori gennemførtes kvalitative, semistrukturerede interviews med tidligere anbragte, rekrutteret via efterværnsorganisationen Baglandet-Aalborg, og materialet blev analyseret fænomenologisk. Undersøgelsen belyser, at kvaliteten af relationen og tilknytningen mellem plejebarn og plejeforældre har langsigtet betydning for, hvordan deltagerne værdsætter sig selv og indgår socialt som voksne. Afhandlingen peger også på, at efterværn og fællesskab i organisationer som Baglandet kan tilbyde social støtte, styrke netværk og give en oplevelse af familietilhør for personer med begrænsede ressourcer. På den baggrund anbefales det, at socialrådgivere og plejeforældre prioriterer tryg tilknytning i plejeforløb, og at kommuner sikrer adgang til efterværn for alle, uanset alder og uden at basere det på forventet positiv udvikling.
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