Experiences of Young Adults Leaving Foster Care Service - A Review

What is it about?

Nine qualitative studies exploring experiences of transitioning from care services were reviewed, offering a unique cross-cultural perspective informed by the direct quotes of young people who aged out various care systems. Considering the stories of participants in the original studies and the interpretation and analyses of those stories in the reviewed papers, we found there were some common themes. Young people seemed to be able to increase their ability to bounce back from challenges if they had the support of at least one reliable and trustworthy adult, and if they could navigate their way through the workings of the system they lived in. However, there were many psychological costs of having to be self-reliant from a very young age and often asked to cope with many challenges simultaneously. Young people reported difficulties in relationships and faced many challenges in gaining financial independence in adulthood due to educational and social barriers. Despite the many difficulties the young people faced, there were numerous examples of how resourcefulness and learning from experience helped the participants cope with the difficulties transitioning out of care brought. Their collective stories highlight how much needs to change within care systems at a systemic and political level.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

This was the first time a review of this nature had been undertaken in this way. It is so important to hear the range of experiences of looked-after children and young people aging out of the care system due to the particular difficulties care leavers face. Through hearing personal accounts and insightful reflections, services can be better informed and proactively address common difficulties experienced by people in the care system.

Perspectives