Exploring Health Priorities for Young People Leaving Care

Abstract

Care-leavers are considered amongst the most vulnerable and disadvantaged group of young people with worse health outcomes than their peers. However, there is limited evidence to suggest how this can be improved, particularly from the perspective of the young people themselves. The aim of this study was to explore the health priorities of young people leaving care. Nine young people were interviewed (aged 16–21 years) from two local authorities in England using an interpretive phenomenological approach. Participants experienced variable planning arrangements for the transition from care and a limited focus on emotional and psychological preparation. Some participants reported deterioration in health after leaving care and others referred to difficulties with motivation, self-esteem and loneliness. The findings highlighted a polarisation between dependence and independence when leaving care and demonstrated the “structural disadvantage” experienced with no family safety net or extended support. The study showed the need for a more holistic and flexible approach to the transition out of care and considered the adoption of a resilience framework for transition planning. Current priorities for further research and the need to evaluate strategies and interventions to improve the health and resilience of young people leaving care were highlighted.