This exploratory narrative case study delves into the life trajectories of two English-speaking adults age 50+ who spent over three years in youth protection-based congregate care and aged out of these services in Quebec, Canada. It examines how residential foster care alumni describe their life history and what insights they can provide regarding their transitions to adulthood and parenthood, and their placement experiences. Policy makers, clinicians, and researchers should observe that insights from adults over age 40 are underexamined, and these data point to complex interpersonal difficulties that continue well beyond emerging adulthood.
The research indicates intergenerational challenges as an important theme, with both individuals reporting relationship struggles with their families of origin, and healing during their fourth decade of life after crises related to their parental roles. Exploring care leavers’ perspectives on healing across their life course may provide invaluable insights about resilience and youth protection practices. These narratives highlight several promising areas of future inquiry that may lead to restitution, healing, and transformative change in child welfare practices.
