Engagement in advocacy via former foster care groups by youth aging out of care
For youth exiting care in France and Quebec at the age of majority, transition to adulthood is a major challenge. With few networks or resources to assist them, essential support can come in this scenario from groups of former foster youths. These groups provide advice and assistance to those seeking them out, in addition to advocating to public authorities on behalf of youth in care. Few Francophone studies have shed light on the autonomous mobilization of young people through groups that represent them. This article, based on conducted interviews with 20 young Quebecers and 23 French youths involved in such groups, aims to explore what these self-help groups produce for participating individuals. We find that through their involvement, individuals develop four types of resources to help promote their entry into adult life : mutual aid, a supportive social network, civic socialization and mobilization regarding the rights of former foster youth. Involved individuals tend to employ rights both as a means of social transformation, and as part of their repertoire of actions, aiming to promote access to rights for youth leaving care, while also developing their capacity to express themselves in the public space.