Retrospective narratives of challenges experienced during adolescence and young adulthood after child welfare-involvement

This qualitative, narrative, retrospective study of adults (N = 21; mean age 27.8 years) with child welfare involvement in young adolescence explored the participants' challenges in childhood and young adulthood. The sample had positive psychosocial functioning at age 18 years. Analysis identified three areas of challenges: Individual Challenges including mental health problems and shame/isolation; Family Challenges including child maltreatment by family members, lack of family support, and parentification; and System Challenges including housing instability, child welfare/case worker issues, and lack of a safety net. Even though these individuals had positive psychosocial functioning entering adulthood, their challenges were significant and required supportive services.