Rooted in connection: How maintaining family bonds supports youth in foster care

Young people in foster care often face frequent changes in their relationships. While some people come and go, family connections can offer the stability that youth need to maintain a sense of identity, navigate change, and experience belonging. For Aiden, staying connected to his uncle and grandma helps him through challenging moments.

The power of family connections

“We have a good relationship,” he said of his uncle, who is his primary caregiver, and though his grandma lives on the East Coast, he speaks with her often. “I talk to my grandma on the phone and make sure she’s doing okay,” he said. He especially values being able to speak to them on tough days. “I know the people I trust are there. I feel safe.”

This sense of safety and trust benefits youth like Aiden in several ways.

Research indicates that maintaining family connections is associated with lower levels of stress, sadness, and anger. These bonds also strengthen resilience. (Texas Youth Permanency Study, 2023)

Having people who consistently show up can remind young people that they matter.

Maintaining identity and navigating change

Aiden feels valued when his family shows they recognize and appreciate who he is. He excitedly talked about a Christmas when his uncle gave him a gift that perfectly matched his interests. “He knows I’m a football card collector and got me some of my favorite items that I wanted.” Times like this help Aiden hold onto his sense of identity and feel proud of who he is.

While moments of gift-giving and celebrations highlight one way family connections reinforce a youth’s identity, support also comes through guidance that helps them navigate life’s challenges.

When Aiden faced difficulties, his uncle drew on his understanding of Aiden’s history to offer emotional support and encouragement. “He tells me we can’t worry about the past.” This combination of reassurance and familiarity helped Aiden move forward.

The lasting impact of belonging

Family connections also shape a young person’s sense of belonging.

Aiden reflected on some of his favorite memories with his family, like time spent with his uncle at the batting cages and bowling alley or watching movies with his grandma. These moments remind Aiden that he has a place in the world, anchored by the people who care about him. “I’d be sad,” Aiden said, when asked how he would feel if he couldn’t stay in touch. “They’re part of my family. They’re part of my life.”

His words make clear that staying connected with family shapes youth. These relationships provide young people with lasting stability, identity, and belonging as they move through life.

Explore how you can support youth in foster care by joining an upcoming information session.

Additional resources for foster parents and professionals:

Barbara Ball, Laura Marra, Tymothy Belseth, and Monica Faulkner, “A New Model for Promoting Wellbeing in Child Welfare: Prioritizing Relational Permanency, Normalcy, and Competency,” Texas Youth Permanency Study, p. 65

Note: Names have been modified to protect privacy.