| Abstract [eng] |
The master’s thesis “ The Path from Foster Care to Independent Living in Youth Biographical Narratives” analyzes how young people with experience in the care system reconstruct and make sense of their transition from the care system to independent living. The research problem stems from the fact that formal support measures do not sufficiently reveal how young people themselves experience the beginning of independent living, what meanings they attribute to their care experience, relationships, support, and future opportunities. The object of the study is young people’s journey from care to independent living. A qualitative research approach was applied in this study. The empirical research was conducted using biographical narrative interviews. Seven young people aged 19–25 participated in the study; they had grown up in children’s homes, community care homes, foster families, or with foster parents and already had experience living independently. Data analysis is based on the logic of biographical case reconstruction: the sequence of life events experienced was reconstructed, the structure of the narrated lives was analyzed, along with the contrasts between them and the main life trajectory of each participant. The study’s findings showed that, in the young people’s accounts, the transition from care to independent living is often described as a sudden surge in responsibility. The start of independent living is associated not only with issues of housing, work, income, debt, or daily life, but also with loneliness, distrust of assistance, the breakdown of relationships, and limited opportunities to make mistakes safely. At the same time, it became clear that the continuity of relationships is one of the most important supporting factors: meaningful connections with guardians, staff, partners, friends, or family members help young people maintain stability, accept help, and chart a course for their lives. The analysis also revealed that independence is not merely the ability to live without the help of others. In the young people’s accounts, it emerges as an ambiguous experience: for some, it is associated with freedom and the opportunity to create a different life; for others, with a burden, self-defense, self-control, or the fear of being left alone. Issues of identity and self-worth remain important even after leaving care: participants try to distance themselves from painful experiences, prove their worth, seek a sense of belonging, and understand the place that the care experience occupies in their life story. The study showed that care can be experienced differently—as a supportive and compensatory environment or as a place where material provision does not replace the need for emotional security, recognition, and belonging. |
