Study Explores Natural Mentors as “Bridges” For Youth Transitioning out of Child Welfare

Alarcón, X., & Mirković, B. (2024). “Those Bridges That Help You Get There”: How natural mentors improve social support and social capital of unaccompanied immigrant youths leaving residential care. Residential Treatment for Children & Youth, 41(1), 70–94.

Introduction

The increasing arrival of unaccompanied immigrant youth in Europe presents unique challenges for political and social systems. In Spain, such youth are placed under the child protection system until the age of 18, after which they face forced emancipation- creating a challenging and critical transition period. Drawing from ecological theories and mentoring research, this study aims to elucidate the functions of natural mentors—supportive adults identified organically within the youths’ networks—and the barriers and facilitators to cultivating these relationships during this transitional period.

Methods

This qualitative study analyzed semi-structured interviews conducted with 20 young men, aged 17–23, primarily from Northwest Africa, who had left or were nearing emancipation from the child welfare system. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and interviewed about their migration experiences, aspirations, challenges, and supportive relationships. The interviews were transcribed, anonymized, and analyzed using ATLAS.ti software through a flexible coding strategy. Five key categories of social support—emotional, instrumental, informational, appraisal, and social capital—guided the analysis, with a focus on relationships that met the criteria for natural mentoring.

Results

Of the 20 participants, five identified relationships that qualified as natural mentoring. These relationships emerged organically within the youths’ ecological networks, marked by trust, emotional closeness, and sustained interactions. For example, Antonio, a 20-year-old Colombian, described his youth worker as a friend, highlighting the emotional support and companionship that extended beyond the professional role. Similarly, Youssef, an 18-year-old from Morocco, formed a bond with his teacher, Inés, who provided guidance and encouragement for his vocational training in cuisine.

The analysis revealed key facilitators of natural mentoring, such as informal and personalized interactions, sustained engagement over time, and the mentor’s ability to connect youth with resources and opportunities. Conversely, systemic obstacles, including frequent placement disruptions and high staff turnover, undermined the development of such relationships.

Discussion

The findings underscore the profound impact of natural mentors in addressing the psychosocial and career-related needs of unaccompanied immigrant youth. Natural mentors offered emotional solace, guidance for coping with adversities, and pathways to educational and career opportunities. These relationships were instrumental in fostering bridging social capital, enabling access to diverse networks and resources.

However, the study also highlighted systemic limitations, such as the lack of institutional focus on nurturing supportive adult-youth relationships. The transient nature of care placements and the professional boundaries maintained by care workers often precluded the development of deeper, more enduring bonds.

Implications for Mentoring Programs

This study has significant implications for mentoring programs and policies targeting unaccompanied immigrant youth. First, programs should prioritize continuity in supportive relationships, reducing placement disruptions and staff turnover. Second, the integration of youth-initiated mentoring (YIM) models, where young people select mentors from their existing networks, could complement formal mentoring initiatives. Finally, training for care workers and educators should emphasize the value of informal, emotionally attuned interactions that transcend task-oriented support.

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