Experiences Of Care Leavers Research Articles

Care leavers’ journeys into university: A narrative study examined through a Bourdieusian lens

This paper reports the findings of a narrative study exploring the journeys of nine care leavers into university, answering the research question: How do care leavers explain their journeys into university? Care leavers are one of the least represented groups in the university setting. Therefore, examining the journeys of those who do enter the university field is important for understanding how to help raise aspirations and support other care leavers to follow. Recruitment to the study took place across all five universities in the Northeast of England, with nine students from three of these institutions taking part. Individual face to face and telephone interviews were conducted to capture the narratives and these were examined through a Bourdieusian lens, drawing on Bourdieu’s theory of practice, using an experience centred thematic approach. The findings underline the dominant view that university education is culturally desirable and valuable, but also serve to highlight the diversity and complexity of the aspirations and experiences of care leavers’ journeys into university. This research study contributes to the developing evidence base concerned with the educational experiences and trajectories of care leavers, highlighting the need for further research and review of both policy and practice in this area.

The Odd Year: Experiences of Care Leavers in the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The purpose of the study is to describe how young care leavers conceptualize their subjective sense of wellbeing, as a lived experience during the “Odd Year” which refers to the first year of the COVID-19 Pandemic—from 2020 to 2021. Qualitative data from seven young people's open discussions by using the Time Out Method and essays. Principles of Joint Research were used. Fattorés theory of children and young people's subjective well-being as well as Eskelineńs (2020) themes of social philosophy during a disaster were employed in the analysis. The Odd Year's effect was to restrict agency relating to study and employment but simultaneously highlight moral agency. The downscaling of services created a sense of uncertainty. Background in Foster Care strengthened the sense of resilience and agency for some. The transformative resilience of society can be strengthened by peer support and by utilizing digital services in social work.

Transition from care: Are we continuing to set care leavers up to fail in New Zealand?

The need for a supported transition for young people leaving care in New Zealand has been acknowledged with the implementation of new legislation and policy from 1 July 2019. One advantage of the protracted delay is the ability to draw on international research evaluating the impact of changes made in other jurisdictions. The article begins with an introduction to the New Zealand context. Current international research on the experience of care leavers is reviewed to identify key lessons and continuing challenges. Published research on the lived experience of young people leaving care and theoretical perspectives, developed to support a clearer understanding of their needs, provide the focus for this review. A summary of key lessons and challenges provides the framework for a critical analysis of New Zealand’s approach before concluding with a discussion of the implications going forward.

The Experiences of Care Leavers (Post-care Adults) in Social Work Education

This paper explores the experiences of social work students on qualifying degree programmes in the UK who have previously been in care or ‘looked after’. Using a sample drawn from three social work programmes in the North West of England, a semi-structured interview schedule was constructed, with the support of social workers who had been in the care system, to examine the individual journeys of 11 students. This paper aims to explore, with this group of students, how their experiences relate to their decision to apply for a place on a social work course, their experience of admission and the duration of the programme. The paper is of particular relevance to social work educators and makes specific suggestions regarding how current practice in social work education might improve.

The Experience of Care leavers in UK Higher Education

This paper reports the findings of a qualitative study into the experience of care leavers (students who have previously been in local authority care) at a UK university. Working with a small group of final year care leaver students, the research used a narrative interview approach to explore their experiences throughout their time in Higher Education (HE), and their future plans after completion. Analysing the interviews using a resilience framework, the findings illustrate a range of risk and protective factors which impact on success in higher education (HE) for this group of students. Like other non-traditional students, key factors include motivation for participation, good preparation for university life and learning, and academic, personal and financial support. Particularly important for this group is the availability of a safety net, and support from a significant adult. This was often provided by the university care leavers' service which offered a crucial source of support for students without another obvious point of contact. Perhaps surprisingly, all students felt that being in care had had a positive impact on their university experience although for varying reasons. All of the students in the study went on to complete their degrees successfully despite the challenges encountered. Key terms: care leavers; non-traditional students; widening participation; student support; resilience.

The Ties that Bind: Support from Birth Families and Substitute Families for Young People Leaving Care

This paper draws on findings from a study of outcomes for young people leaving care funded by the Department for Education and Skills. It explores the informal support networks available to a sample of 106 young people over a period of 12-15 months after leaving care. It examines patterns of contact with birth families and caregivers, the support that emanated from these links and the strategies of leaving care professionals to strengthen these connections. It also considers the new families created by many young people through relationships with partners and the onset of parenthood and discusses the continuing support needs of young parents. The paper situates the needs and experiences of care leavers in a wider youth transitions framework and highlights the need for continuing professional attention to be given to strengthening family links as one strategy for helping care leavers to negotiate the transition to adulthood.

Transitioning from (and with) care: The next steps

This article builds on research work undertaken by MacKillop Family Services on the experience of care leavers to explore the importance of the relational aspects of human service work. Recent legislative changes have focused on the availability of services and supports to young people transitioning from care. The authors suggest that it is time to refocus attention on the relationships between young people leaving care and human service workers. Such a discussion opens up models of practice that encourage flexible and participatory approaches.

Looking back, looking forward: Care leavers, families and change

This paper draws on the findings of a four year study of leaving care services in England carried out at the University of Leeds and funded by the Department of Health. It examines patterns of family contact for care leavers and the quality of their relationships with their families. It considers the continuing informal support that both biological and substitute families can offer to care leavers. The new families that many care leavers create through early parenthood and the continuing support needs of these young parents are also discussed. The discussion situates the needs and experiences of care leavers in a wider youth transitions framework and argues for continuing professional attention to improving family links as one strategy for assisting care leavers to negotiate the major youth transitions.