Young Black Women's Social Support Needs While Transitioning Out of Foster Care: A Case Study
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Authors
Bishop, Nicy
Issue Date
2025-09
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Young Black women aging out of foster care , young Black women transitioning out of foster care , young Black women social support , social support needs, young Black women
Alternative Title
Abstract
Young Black women aging out of the foster care system encounter significant challenges as they transition to adulthood. This qualitative exploratory single case study examined whether the social support services provided to young Black women transitioning from the North Carolina foster care system were effectively matched to their perceived needs. Optimal Matching Theory served as the guiding framework for the study. Participants included four young Black women who had aged out of foster care and nine stakeholders with professional experience supporting this population. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the alignment of perceived needs and services. The young women were asked whether the support they received met their needs, while stakeholders were questioned about their perspectives on service alignment. Thematic analysis of interview data revealed eight themes: four from each participant group. Themes from the young Black women included: (1) participation in social support programs, (2) social support needs, (3) relationships with support personnel, and (4) unaddressed needs. Stakeholder themes included: (1) available social support services, (2) determining support needs, (3) engaging with young women to meet their needs, and (4) challenges in service delivery. Findings indicate the need for personalized and culturally responsive services. Recommendations include cultural competence and trauma-informed training for providers, exploration of culture-specific trauma responses and attachment patterns, addressing substance use as a coping mechanism, and supporting young women recovering from human trafficking. The study highlights the importance of using culturally sensitive assessment tools, personalized interviews, and strong stakeholder relationships to identify and address needs effectively. A holistic, integrated approach, emphasizing stable adult relationships, culturally informed and mental health services, can foster a successful transition to adulthood for young Black women.