Abstract:
This qualitative study explored the experiences of adults who had lived in group home care as adolescents and transitioned back into the community at the end of their treatment. More specifically, this study examined the experiences of adults who spent six or more months in group homes during their adolescent years, between the ages of 12 and 20 years. Participants in this study had transitioned out of residential care "successfully". Transitions were labeled as "successful" if treatment goals were met and/or the group home decided that discharge was an appropriate next step in treatment. Interviews with participants reflected factors that participants found useful and hindering to their transition process as well as successes and challenges faced after discharge. The themes discovered in the study were divided into three categories: 1) Major Themes, those present in 75 to 100 percent of interviews; 2) Minor Themes, those present in 50 to 74 percent of interviews, and 3) Other Relevant Themes, which were themes unique to single participants but emphasized as important factors related to the transition experience. Themes were discussed in terms of how they converged and diverged from previous research on group home care and the transition process. Themes unique to this study contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the transition process and navigating life after discharge from group home care. These themes should assist in guiding group home programming and interventions for residential youth, hopefully facilitating positive and successful transitions back into the community.