Social Support from Nuclear and Extended Family, Peers, and Staff of Youth in Residential Care: Evidence from Israel

This chapter presents findings from studies conducted by the authors on social support networks among youth in Israeli residential care settings (RCSs), managed by the Ministries of Education and Social Affairs. Drawing on data from 1,409 young people aged 14 to 21 in educational RCSs for underprivileged youth (Study I) and 240 youth aged 14 to 18 in therapeutic RCSs (Study II), these studies examined youths’ perceptions of support from parents, siblings, grandparents, peers, and RCS staff. Mothers emerged as primary support figures, with other sources varying in importance based on factors like family type and gender. Findings indicated that family and staff support are positively associated with psychosocial well-being and life satisfaction, with certain conditions enhancing these benefits—for example, longer stays in RCSs strengthened the link between staff support and reduced adjustment difficulties. Moreover, youth who perceived positive staff attitudes toward parents showed a stronger association between parental attachment and well-being. The chapter concludes with recommendations to strengthen supportive relationships with family and other key figures within youths’ networks during their time in RCSs.