Exploring Sources of Resilience Among LGBTQ+ Youth in out-of-Home Care: An Ecological Framework

Background and Purpose: LGBTQ+ youth in out-of-home care experience multiple stressors: they are a minority group, reside in often unstable living conditions, and have faced rejection by their families. Therefore, they tend to be vulnerable and face unique challenges in building resilience. The purpose of this presentation is to explore the sources of the resilience of homeless LGBTQ+ youth in out-of-home care in the Israeli context. The research question is: What are the experiences, perceptions, and constructions of “resilience” among LGBTQ+ youth who aged out of out-of-home care for homeless LGBTQ+ youth in Israel?

Methods: The study employed a critical constructivist grounded theory approach. Thirty-one in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with LGBTQ+ youth aged 16 to 32 (average age 21.5), and all interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. The participants were relatively diverse in terms of their culture: 20 were Jewish, six were Muslim, three were Christian, and two did not identify themselves culturally. Most were born in Israel, and three immigrated to Israel in early childhood.

Results: The data analysis indicated the presence of four distinct levels that provide sources of resilience. Firstly, the individual level relates to intrapersonal feelings, emotions, and inner strength. This level consists of self-acceptance, faith and hope, and creativity and productiveness. Beyond that, the interpersonal level refers to the participants’ interactions with the people and organizations surrounding them. This level contains friends and peer groups, educational institutions and employment environments, professionals and LGBTQ+ out-of-home care services. Thirdly, the macro level refers to the society, culture, and policy (primarily in the Israeli context). This level consisted of public visibility of the LGBTQ+ community and financial support. Finally, the chronological level addresses the development of the LGBTQ+ community’s rights and recognition over time.

Conclusions and Implications: Researchers implemented an ecological model to conceptualize resilience among LGBTQ+ youth in out-of-home care in Israel. This multidimensional model supported the construction of resilience sources that could assist these youth in overcoming adversities. For example, at the individual level, this could mean using interventions that promote self-acceptance (such as using practices that affirm LGBTQ+ identity). At the interpersonal level, youth could be encouraged to reach out to friends or referred to LGBTQ+ out-of-home services and other professionals who could serve as ambassadors and advocates for these youth in their various environments. At the macro level, social workers should work to influence policy and practice to better meet the needs of LGBTQ+ youth; they should also direct their efforts towards obtaining financial assistance for those youth. In addition, the findings could guide policymakers in allocating financial resources to homeless LGBTQ+ youth, open additional frameworks that help those youth, and promote their positive visibility in society through various platforms.

It is important to note that this study contributed to changes out-of-home care services. This study was presented during a training day for professional staff in out-of-home care services for LGBTQ+ youth, and part of the study's implications are currently being identified through the implementation process in these services.