Foster Youth in the Mediasphere: Lived Experience and Digital Lives in the Australian Out-Of-Home Care System

Description

This book considers the impact of digital media and technology on lived experience for young people in foster care. While the extent and intricacies of foster care―known as out-of-home care (OOHC) in Australia, where this study takes place―are not widely understood by the general public, youth in care might struggle to construct a personal identity that goes beyond reflecting the stereotypes and stigma by which they are often recognised. In today’s digital environment, media can play a significant role in any individual’s developing sense of self, identity, and belonging. Deitz and Sheridan Burns examine OOHC through the lens of networked media environments and investigate the conditions that encourage belonging and resilience in order to establish the role that digital technology can play in supporting those conditions for individuals, family networks, and the care sector. Contents List of Figures List of Tables Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Foster Youth in the Mediasphere Chapter 3: Out-of-Home Care in Australia Whose Story? The Who Am I? Project Conclusion Chapter 4: Out-of-Home Care in the Mainstream Media Analysis of News Articles Analyses of Opinion Pieces Analysis of Results Chapter 5: Digital Support for Young People in Out-of-Home Care Chapter 6: Online Lived Experience Chapter 7: Current Research and Future Directions My Life Story Current Research Future Research and Other Issues Other Issues Bibliography Index