Resources offer ways to help transitioning youth develop a positive sense of self, including information on spirituality, ethnic identity, self-esteem, and more.
Adolescent Heart and Soul: Achieving Spiritual Competence in Youth-Serving Agencies (PDF - 1,393 KB)
Wilson, Carraway-Wilson, & Jackson (2005)
Describes the characteristics of seven spiritual programs for young people developed by both religious and secular agencies, including tools and resources used by the programs and a discussion of evaluation issues.
Ethnic Identity Development Among Adolescents in Foster Care
White, O'Brien, Jackson, Havalchak, Phillips, Thomas, et al.
Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 25(6), 2008
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Presents survey results of youth perceptions about their own ethnic identities and their experiences with identity development while in foster care.
Identity Development in Emancipated Young Adults Following Foster Care
Mulkerns & Owen
Smith College Studies in Social Work, 78(4), 2008
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Explores the experiences of 12 youth who transitioned to independent living, focusing on their sense of self, peer support, and other identity issues.
Knowing Who You Are
Casey Family Programs (2006)
Offers a video, online learning course, and 2-day curriculum to help child welfare professionals explore race and ethnicity, preparing them to support healthy racial and ethnic identity development in the youth they serve.
Mental Health, Ethnicity, Sexuality, and Spirituality Among Youth in Foster Care: Findings From the Casey Field Office Mental Health Study
White, Havalchak, Jackson, O'Brien, & Pecora (2007)
Presents survey results regarding the spirituality, ethnic identity, and sexual orientation of youth in foster care, and provides policy, program, and research recommendations for child welfare agencies.
"What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger": Survivalist Self-Reliance as Resilience and Risk Among Young Adults Aging Out of Foster Care
Samuels & Pryce
Children and Youth Services Review, 30(11), 2008
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Explores the experiences of 44 Midwestern young adults in the process of aging out of foster care, highlighting attitudes toward self-reliance and barriers to achieving their life goals.