Resources offer ways to help transitioning youth develop a positive sense of self, including information on spirituality, ethnic identity, self-esteem, and more.
Developing a Positive Self-Concept in Foster Care Youth: 2016 Final Report
Foster/Adoptive Parent Training Projects (2017)
Overviews the issue of low self-esteem in foster youth and explains how feeling worthwhile is necessary for youth to develop positive self-worth and succeed in life. The article discusses how to promote youth's self-esteem and includes suggestions for teenagers such as how to help them reject negative thoughts and change negative self-talk.
The Road to Adulthood: Aligning Child Welfare Practice With Adolescent Brain Development (PDF - 3,277 KB)
Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative (2017)
Presents the latest research in neuroscience and brain development and gives insights into how the brain's changes affect risk taking, emotional regulation, and the ability to connect socially and emotionally with others. This research has implications for child welfare and relates to older youth in foster care as well.
Spiritual Wellness: Connecting to More Than Self
California Department of Social Services (2017)
Provides information for youth in foster care about spiritual beliefs and practices and developing a sense of meaning and purpose. The site describes the varied ways in which different people and cultures have found meaningful and spiritual fulfillment in life and lists links to more information for spiritual journeys.
"Who Am I?" How Female Care Leavers Construct and Make Sense of Their Identity
Colbridge, Hassett, & Sisley (2017)
SAGE Open
Describes how identity formation may be more complex for those who have been in foster care due to a variety of challenges. This study features interviews with eight females who are leaving foster care and includes discussion about their identity development.
Why Do Foster Kids Have Low Self-Esteem?
Foster and Adoptive Family Services Blog (2014)
Explains why foster kids may have low self-esteem and suggestions for how to give foster youth what they need to help build and maintain healthy self-esteem as they grow.
You Matter to Me: Important Relationships and Self-Esteem of Adolescents in Foster Care
Thompson, Wojciak, and Mcwey (2013)
Child & Family Social Work
Examines the extent to which relationships with biological mothers, foster parents, and youth peers influence the self-esteem of adolescents in foster care and finds that peers have the greatest impact on self-worth.