Ervaringen en Perspectieven van Uithuisgeplaatste Jongeren met betrekking tot Stabiliteit, Toekomstperspectief en Eigenzeggenschap

Abstract

It is unknown to what extent stability, future perspective and self-determination are experienced among Dutch children and adolescents who are placed out of home. In this study, insights were gained into these concepts and the possible impact they have on out-of-home youth through a mixed-methods study. Quantitative data were obtained from questionnaires administered to 118 children and adolescents placed out of home and residing in Dutch (extended) youth care. Qualitative data were obtained by retrospective, semi-structured interviews among ten adolescents who had previously been placed out of home. Results show that none of the youth experienced a stable time in youth care due to lack of future prospects, many relocations and changes within placements. A clear future perspective was not often experienced: more often the future of adolescents was unclear, mostly due to inadequate information. This lack of clarity had an impact on adolescents' mental states and behavior. Later in life, all participants had a high need for clarity and control. All adolescents were dissatisfied with their experienced amount of self-determination. Participants want social workers to invest more in them, so they feel seen and heard and more informed decisions can be made. Further research is needed on the potential protective influence of perceived stability and future prospects on the well-being and behavior of these vulnerable adolescents. This knowledge can contribute to effective prevention policies. Keywords: out-of-home placement, stability, future perspective, self-determination