A photovoice study of college students who have experienced foster care, relative care, and/or homelessness

• Published in: Children and youth services review 2023-08, Vol.151, p.107042, Article 107042
• Main Authors: S. Samarah, Esaa Mohammad, Schelbe, Lisa, Jackson, Lisa A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Campus support program; Foster care alumni; Foster youth; Higher education; Participatory action research; Photovoice; Transition-age youth; Visual methodology
• ISSN: 0190-7409; 1873-7765
• DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2023.107042

Young people with a history of foster care and or homelessness experience barriers to education and often have poorer educational outcomes. Universities have established campus support programs (CSP) to address these student needs; however, there is limited knowledge about their experiences in CSP and in college. We used photovoice methodology to elicit the perspectives of 18 undergraduate students in a CSP. Participants took pictures that addressed two guiding questions: What is it like to be a college student who experienced foster care, homelessness, relative care, or ward of the State status? What is it like to participate in a CSP? We interviewed participants about their photos and coded interview transcripts using an inductive, iterative approach. Participants’ experiences in college were often impacted by their past. Participants disclosed that they often felt like outsiders on campus. Concerns of being misunderstood were accompanied by feelings of pressure to perform as role models for others. Resources provided by the CSP were identified as important as was the support and sense of community in being part of the CSP. Students appreciated having a designated space on campus where they could connect to other students with similar backgrounds. Consistently, participants stressed that the CSP improved their college experience and contributed to their successes. Findings highlight the importance of CSP’s holistic services and a sense of community. By supporting students, CSPs can create spaces in which students who disproportionately have been excluded from higher education feel welcome and able to overcome adversity.