The Process of Life Adjustment after Returning Home from Placement: From a Resilience Perspective

• Main Authors: Yao-Ting Chen, 陳瑤婷
• Other Authors: 陳毓文
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2013
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/43864255899391729478

碩士 === 國立臺灣大學 === 社會工作學研究所 === 102 === Legislations and policies concerning issues related to children and youth in placement are set up in recent years; however, issues related to “independent living” and “returning home (reunification)” caught less attention. Most studies focused on negative outcomes of children and youth leaving care, and few showed good adjustment. However, the experiences of those who adjust better can provide knowledge for better services, so the goal of this study is to find those who adjust well after returning home from placement. Using the semi-structured in-depth interview method, respondents who met the following conditions were recruited: 1) those who had been abused by any adults at home (including physical, mental, sexual abuse and neglect) and were placed; 2) those who returned home due to the removal of family violence, or who were assessed to leave care and returned home due to sufficient independent skills. The aforementioned “home” meant to live with any family members; 3) those who had stayed home for at least six months after returning home, and interacted with at least one family member without conflict; 4) the respondents should have the cognitive ability to express; and 5) they were older than 12 years. As a result, 8 respondents met the above requirements were interviewed. To understand their experiences, following questions were asked: How did the children interact with their family members and adjust their new life? How did they think what make they adjust to the reunification process? In the adjustment process, what were important experiences that helped them to adjust better? This study would base on the resilience perspective to understand why these children would remain staying at home after leaving care. Findings of this study indicated that after being placed for couple years, almost all interviewees were unfamiliar with their family members when they just returned home. However, they all tried to show their good-will, and helped the family to function better. In addition, social workers played very important roles in the adjustment process; they helped to improve their communication and provided resources for interviewees and their family members. Social supports were able to fill the gap and need of their interaction, as well as the short of professional services and resources. The conflicts and social welfare interventions are important experiences to help children adapt better. And finally, the cooperation of children, families, and the social service system were also imperative to their adjustment.