Citation

Collins JL, Jimenez R, Thomas LJ. Child Abuse Negl. 2018; 81: 322-331.

Affiliation

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, United States. Electronic address: Laura.thomas@ttuhsc.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.chiabu.2018.05.012

PMID

29778990

Abstract

Some adolescents in the United States who have been abused and/or neglected by caregivers and placed in permanent custody of the state leave, or "age out" of foster care at 18 years of age. Poor health outcomes among individuals who age out are notable, yet few studies describe the phenomenon of seeking healthcare services after leaving foster care. The investigators specifically queried the phenomenon of seeking healthcare services after foster care drawing from the Phenomenology of Practice approach. We interviewed 13 young adults who aged out of care. Investigators extracted lived experience descriptions (LEDs) from interview transcripts and analyzed under phenomenological themes. Healthcare experiences were marked by avoiding self-disclosure, having no choice but to wait, missing family history, and relying on the kindness of strangers. Healthcare providers who integrate the findings into care delivery models will engage young adults with more understanding and sensitivities of ethical practice.

Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Adolescents; At risk; Foster care; Health seeking; Lived experience; Phenomenology; Young adults