Future expectations of adolescents in residential care in Israel

Yafit Sulimani-Aidan*, Rami Benbenishty

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

46 Scopus citations

Abstract

The study examines the future expectations of adolescents in residential care facilities in Israel and their worries about the pending transition to independent living. The study examines the hypotheses that personal variables (e.g., gender, a personality trait of optimism) and social support variables (the support of family, peers and staff) predict their future expectations. 277 adolescents participated in the study. The self report questionnaire covered several areas including demographic background, optimism, family, peer and staff support, readiness to leave care and future expectations. Results indicate that most adolescents perceived their future positively. The most positive expectations were in the family and friends domains. About a third of the adolescents were worried or very worried about leaving care. Worries were not related to gender. Optimism, social support by mother and peers (but not staff) was positively correlated with future expectations. The findings suggest that there are areas of concern that should be addressed through programs to prepare youth for leaving care. Follow up and longitudinal studies are suggested.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1134-1141
Number of pages8
JournalChildren and Youth Services Review
Volume33
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Future expectations
  • Leaving care
  • Optimism
  • Social support

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