Limitations of aftercare

Abstract

In their transition to adulthood, most young people need and receive support from their parents. Young adults who leave care, on the other hand, often struggle in their transition to adulthood and are in need of public support. Whether these young people get aftercare or not depends on social workers’ discretionary judgement. The latter’s understanding of the scope of aftercare is therefore important. This article builds on qualitative interviews with social workers about their considerations regarding support for young people leaving care in the transition to adulthood. During the analysis of the interviews, differences between public and private care emerged, pointing to the limitations of public aftercare. The interviews were analysed based on the distinction between the concrete other and the generalized other, which identifies differences between private and public relations and support. Public support seems to be less flexible, and more uncertain, than private familial support, which has implications for policy and practice.