자립준비청년의 원가정 관계 경험에 관한 연구

Abstract

This study analyzed the relationship experiences of Youth Aging-out from Out-of-Home care (YAOH) with their families of origin. It aimed to explore policy improvements for fostering or discontinuing connections between YAOH and their families of origin. This study conducted in-depth interviews with seven individuals who had aged-out of protective custody within the past five years. Data analysis was performed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method, involving the transcription and textual analysis of participants’ recorded interviews. As a result, 4 categories, 9 subcategories, and 18 meaning units were derived. The experience of separation from the family of origin was categorized as “Severing Relationships through Separation from the family of origin”, and the experience of the relationships with the family of origin during out-of-home care was categorized as “Experiencing Connections and Disconnections again in the out-of-home cares”, and the experience of the relationship with the family of origin as YAHO preparing to stand alone was categorized as “Standing at the crossroads of choosing to stand alone”, and the experience of support for the relationship with the family of origin before and after YAHO was categorized as “Wings are Needed for the Dreams of YAOH”. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that a comprehensive plan for supporting the relationship with the family of origin should be formulated from the point of a child’s separation. While a priority should be given to supporting the relationship with the family of origin during the period of out-of-home care, practical support for the reunification with the family of origin should also be more systematically and concretely implemented. In addition, some discharge support structures for the relationship with the family of origin should be adequately provided for the YAHO, grounded within appropriate legal and program provisions. This study holds significance in proposing policy improvements to support YAOH as unique individuals capable of independence by closely examining the disconnection and connection with the origin family for children separated from their homes, subject to protection, as they transition to independence following the termination of protective custody.