Place and displacement: Perspectives of youth on place identity

This research describes the experiences of young adults who were displaced during the process of coming into care of the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Participants were interviewed and asked about how these experiences impacted their lives and future connection to places. Applying a qualitative, exploratory inquiry, personal lived experiences including childhood memories and current situational circumstances were highlighted to underline the importance of place attachment, place making, and identity. Fundamental aspects associated with the concept of place were explored within the reported experiences that participants ascribed to their time spent displaced. Data analysis was completed using thematic analysis which revealed four emergent themes, explored within a framework of place. The results are important considerations for social work education on how the concept of place may be acknowledged, understood and integrated in political structure and the broader social context of neighbourhood and community.