Loss Experiences of Youth in Foster Care: An Exploration of Loss Beyond Death

The purpose of this study was to explore the disenfranchised loss experiences of young adults who were formerly in foster care or transitioning out of the foster care system. The study aimed to answer the following questions: how do youth in care identify and define their losses and how do youth in care seek support and cope with their losses. This study was guided by the principles of a grief-informed practice approach and a systems approach informed by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model to better understand the complexity of losses experienced by youth in care. This study utilized a multiple case study design consisting of young adults, ages 18-21 years old who had aged out or were transitioning out of the foster care system. Methods of data collection included three semi-structured interviews per participant, ranging from 60-90 minutes each over approximately a one-month period. Thematic analysis and case narratives were utilized to explore the loss experiences of the study’s participants. The most prominent losses included loss of people, loss of identity and losses related to moves and transitions. There were many micro, meso and macro factors that exacerbated and compounded loss experiences of the participants resulting in further disenfranchisement. Losses were met with varying levels of support ranging from non-existent and limited to extremely positive and impactful. This study has major practice, policy and research implications for the foster care system that can effectively address loss at the micro, meso and macro levels through a grief-informed approach.