Youth in foster care often experience family instability, which can disrupt the continuity of their relationships and social connections. Therefore, the strength and stability of their social support networks can play a critical role in shaping their lives.
Social support networks refer to a holistic web of family members, friends, neighbors and community members who provide emotional, practical, and informational support during times of need.
In her recent study, published in the journal Social Work Research, Keunhye Park, assistant professor at Michigan State University’s School of Social Work, examined the relationship between different dimensions of social support networks, such as type and size, and incarceration among youth with foster care experience.