• Young people in residential care are embedded in complex and unique personal networks. • Personal networks influence the well-being of young people in residential care. • Social support and frequent network contact have a positive effect on well-being. • This study presents causal relationships using fixed-effects panel regression. The promotion of children’s and young people’s well-being has been recognized as a primary goal in residential care. Research shows that personal relationships are a key factor in well-being. However, young people in residential care are embedded in a dynamic social context, making it difficult to form close and long-lasting relationships. This study analyzed the impact of young people’s personal networks on their subjective well-being. Data spanning 2022–2024 were collected in three waves via a classroom-based or self-administered online survey. The sample comprised 228 young people living in a residential care facility in Switzerland in at least the first wave of data collection. The young people’s networks were collected through individual personal networks. Subjective well-being was measured using a slightly adapted version of the International Survey of Children’s Well-Being (ISCWeB) questionnaire. Data were analyzed using fixed-effects panel regression. Notably, the number of supportive ties ( B = 0.08, p = 0.01) and contact frequency with network members ( B = 0.13, p = 0.05) were positively associated with subjective well-being. However, personal networks predominantly comprising friends had a negative effect on their well-being ( B = − 0.01, p = 0.02). Young people should have the opportunity to develop close and supportive relationships inside and outside the residential care facility they can rely on when they leave institutional care.
Fellmann et al. (2026) studied this question.