| A generic qualitative approach was used to identify and analyze the lived experiences of foster care alumni in regards to their current experiences with either volunteering or working with children that are in the foster care system. Negative outcomes of adult children as they depart foster care chronical issues of homelessness, mental health issues, increased rates of incarceration, and general lack of success or positive life outcome. The stories of those who have survived in foster care and become successful adults have not been explored in the current research. Data were gained from 12 research participants via seven face-to-face interviews in Arizona and five telephonic interviews across three states. Semi-structured interviews provided a forum to use ten questions as a guideline. Themes were extracted using line-by-line coding performed by hand and by sweeping the data in three waves. By obtaining the lived stories of adults who lived through and now work with the foster care system, more understanding as to their experience can be gained. Participants spoke of the healing power of giving back to the community in which they once lived, feeling empowered by their own experiences, and sharing a mutual understanding with the children still in care. |
