Care professionals’ perspectives and roles on resilience among LGBTQIA+ youth in out-of-home care: A multidimensional perspective
Rodrigo González Álvarez, S. Hofman, Mijntje ten Brummelaar, Mónica López López
Abstract
There is a dearth of scientific evidence on the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth in out-of-home care, particularly about their experiences of resilience. Moreover, no studies until now have inquired about the perspective of their care professionals on LGBTQIA+ young people’s resilience resources. The purpose of this study was to explore the care professionals’ perspectives and roles in resilience among LGBTQIA+ youth in out-of-home care. We carried out 21 in-depth interviews with care professionals with experience working with LGBTQIA+ youth in out-of-home care. Results showed that: 1) some professionals conceived resilience as the result of the youth’s traits, particularly their strength and their LGBTQIA+ pride; 2) most professionals mentioned the relevance of conversations with youth as a way to achieve their SOGIESC affirmation; 3) professionals stressed the importance of supportive and affirmative relationships between youth and professionals; 4) although some professionals were unsure about the relevance of care agencies’ SOGIESC specific practices and policies to help youth confront their adversities, other professionals stressed its importance to increase the wellbeing and resilience of LGBTQIA+ youth. The results of this study highlight the significant role of care professionals to foster the resilience of LGBTQIA+ youth in out-of-home care.