CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS EXPERIENCED BY YOUTHS LEAVING THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM IN TSHWANE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY, GAUTENG PROVINCE

Abstract

In the Republic of South Africa care-leavers are faced with numerous challenges after being discharged in terms of the provisions of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, Section 175 (Republic of South Africa [RSA], 2006). The aim of this study was to explore the challenges and barriers experienced by youths leaving the foster care system in South Africa. The researcher adopted a qualitative research approach to achieve the aim of this study. The findings revealed that youths leaving the foster care system are faced with social challenges, including a lack of communication with their foster parents or caregivers, little cooperation from parents or caregivers, few re-unification services, a lack of housing, and disconnection from other foster children. In addition, youths leaving care experience financial challenges such as unemployment and the abuse of the foster child grant by their foster parents. They also experience educational challenges, with many dropping out of school. Furthermore, youths leaving care face sexual challenges, including sexual abuse, prostitution and teenage pregnancy. For these reasons it is crucial for policymakers, social workers and all social service practitioners to work together to deliver a more expansive safety net for youths leaving care, and to address the fundamental challenges they face. Keywords: barriers, challenges, foster care, foster care system, leaving care, youth