Experienced Support From Family, School And Friends Among Students In Out-Of-Home Care In A School-Based Community Survey

Youth in out-of-home care have elevated risks for adverse events and detrimental circumstances possibly affecting their development. Responses from 311 students in out-of-home care (OHC) were compared with peers living in birth parent care (BPC) and in single birth parent care (sBPC) in a regional school survey, directed to students in compulsory school eighth year and upper secondary school second year. Results indicate OHC students to experience less satisfaction with friends, leisure time, and families. They state less trust in support from friends and families but a more similar level to teachers, counsellors or nurses. OHC students also express being more exposed to abusive experiences online and perceive less sense of security at home and in school. We conclude that welfare institutions need to recognize the components in building trust and safety for students in OHC and that school and other professional institutions have an important role in serve resilience and promote well-being for children in OHC.