No Place Like Home: An Autoethnographic Journey of Resilience and Foster Care

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/JNEL-2025-13348

Keywords:

Family Abduction, child welfare, child trauma, foster care, Hague Convention, Child protection

Abstract

This manuscript delves into the lived experiences of a child who was kidnapped and taken across the border, ultimately being placed in foster care upon her return to the United States. Employing an autoethnographic approach, the author weaves personal reflections with broader societal themes, exploring the psychological, social, and emotional impacts of these traumatic experiences on youth and the administration of the child welfare system. The narrative underscores the pressing need to bolster the social safety net, ensuring that out-of-home placements in foster care are readily available when necessary. The author’s journey is characterized by resilience as she navigates the complexities of entering and exiting foster care after the trauma of kidnapping. This manuscript serves not only as a testament to survival but also as a call to action for policymakers, practitioners, and communities, particularly considering the rising incidence of international child abductions. 

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Published

2026-04-07

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 3 (2025): Special Issue on Foster Care and Adoption

Section

Articles

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