The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of placement changes by examining placement move experiences and definitions from the perspectives of former foster youth through a qualitative secondary data analysis. The participants consisted of 43 former foster youth who met the criteria of being over 18, no longer in care, and who had experienced 2 or more placement moves while in foster care.

Most of the participants reported experiencing loss, the inability to have significant attachments with others, and difficulty trusting and adapting to change as a result of multiple placement moves. Participants felt that the best thing about placement moves was being exposed to different people and cultures, as well as a fresh start at each new placement. The majority of participants defined a placement move as anytime a child has to physically pack their belongings and move to another location.

Recommendations for foster youth included staying positive and finding a way to cope.