This qualitative study used a modified grounded theory approach to build a framework of the process by which communication from the child welfare and biological family systems influences adjustment to out-of-home placement. Semi-structured in-depth interview, demographic, and eco-map data were collected from 14 youth between the ages of 18 and 24 who entered foster care at least once after the age of 8. The youth interviewed shared their experiences of piecing together information from various sources in order to develop a more cohesive understanding of the reasons for entry and what would happen during their time in foster care. The youth engaged in a dynamic process of accessing information and forming perceptions that influenced coping and adjustment to out-of-home placement. The data suggest that sources of communication are more or less influential depending upon youth perceptions of who is most responsible for providing explanations. The extent to which communication met the informational needs of the youth and the quality of the caseworker-youth relationship strongly influenced perceptions of out-of-home placement and foster care. Communication from biological family influenced adjustment through indirect avenues of perceived support and feelings of loyalty to biological parents.
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