Abstract
Background: There has been minimal research conducted on the unique experiences of Black
youth who transition out of the child welfare system, and as well as the factors that contribute to their success or failure to accessing housing.
Purpose: The purpose of study is to explore the needs and experiences of Black youth using
Critical Race theory, BlackCrit and Social Capital theory to better understand their experience
accessing safe, affordable housing within the Greater Toronto Area after transitioning out of
child welfare.
Methods: Five Black youth were recruited using site sampling and snow-ball sampling to
participate in an arts-based and narrative study. The data was then analyzed in a constant
comparative method.
Findings: The findings from this study suggest the following things: The emotional roller
coaster of being in care, the importance of community and sense of family, youth voices in
decision-making process, unpreparedness for independent living, the unawareness of housing
options, youth definition of good housing, more resources are needed prior to departure of child
welfare.
Implications and Recommendations for Change: In light of the findings in this study, a number
of recommendations are proposed for improving outcomes for Black youth leaving care and their
access to housing. Below is a summary of recommendations:
A. To focus on building and providing genuine relationships through a caring adult and
permanency for Black youth in care
B. Centralize and value the voices of Black youth in care throughout their post-care
planning, policy development and research
C. To address and respond to the unique experiences that Black youth with disabilities face
within the housing market when preparing them for independence outside of the CWS
D. To apply a Housing first Youth approach
It is my hope that this information will be used to support policy changes and program
development in child welfare and the rental housing market that can result in more successful
outcomes for Black youth. / Thesis / Master of Social Work (MSW)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:mcmaster.ca/oai:macsphere.mcmaster.ca:11375/25990 |
| Date | January 2020 |
| Creators | Davenport, Chelsea |
| Contributors | Fudge Schormans, Dr.Ann, Social Work |
| Source Sets | McMaster University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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