Group counseling for teenagers at a foster home : transition out process to independent living

Abstract

Adolescents from foster homes released from the care and protection at the age of 18 years old in Malaysia public welfare institutions and 21 years old in residential homes at other countries. Lack of preparation among former adolescents for aging-out process contributed to adverse situations namely homelessness, adultery, unwanted pregnancy, unemployment, learning opportunities, financial restriction and imprisonment (Iglehart, 1994; Fowler, Toro & Miles, 2009; Hoover & Samantha, 2017; Anderson, 2003; Rodriguez, 2013; Reilly, 2003). The trend was alarming and worrying as it may affect their wellbeing in later adult life. Limited studies found on adolescents who underwent transition out process and their preparation for independent living at foster homes in Malaysia. This research aimed to explore the lived experience among the teenagers and their preparation to transition out from a foster home as they reach 18 years old for independent living life. This study used phenomenological research design that utilized structured focus group discussion in a group counselling setting. The group met five times for a duration of two hours. Researcher recruited five participants from one foster home based on the set intake criteria and involve two female and three male participants aged between 17 to 18 years old for this group. A module was prepared for the group which include general issues of their lived experiences inside the foster home, challenges faced, needs, supports, and strategies that the participants observed for their preparation. Researcher gathered participants’ inputs and products using audio recording and pictures during the group counselling which later performed transcribing process for data analysis purposes. Follow up individual interview and phone calls complimented the data collection process. Major themes discussed include relationship concerns, living preparation, mixed feelings, living related skills and knowledge, career development concerns, job opportunities, tertiary educations planning, personal development, and acquired support from professionals and others. The study suggested several designs for the findings to be extended. Firstly, experimental study is recommended for the need to develop a structured model and measure its effectiveness among teenagers inside the foster homes in order to assist them for their transition process. Secondly, longitudinal study is proposed to help revisit the findings with the same individuals and further explore their process for independent living few years after the release from the foster home.