Social Support Networks for Youths Aging Out of Residential Care to Promote Positive Transition Outcomes – A Scoping Review

Abstract

This scoping review provides the available evidence on support interventions and networks for youths aging out of child and youth care centres (CYCCs), and makes recommendations for best practice to alleviate the plight of youths leaving CYCCs. Thirteen databases were searched, resulting in the retrieval of 80 articles, 26 of which met the review criteria: English, full-text, peer-reviewed, open-access studies conducted between 2015 and 2020 on social networks and transitional services to youths aging out of residential care. Recommendations are made for policy changes, extending the age of eligibility and strengthening social support networks for youths transitioning into independent living.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Care Leavers

“…As a result, adequate preparation for youth before returning to family and living independently is crucial. This study describes a social support network as a formal and informal resource and service available to caregivers, where they can share and exchange information and receive support (Charity et al, 2022;Rosenberg, 2019). In Sri Lanka, welfare programs are provided by the state for children who stay in childcare institutions which promote aftercare services such as supporting care-lever education, National Vocational Qualification training and career guidance for work opportunities in common.…”

“…However, there are no unified guidelines or practices for the implementation of transition, social reintegration or post-residential care. Young people who leave the care system face significant changes in their lives, much younger than their parents, and they lose most of the economic, social and emotional support previously provided by the care system (Charity et al, 2022). Care leavers seek employment and a new home, supporting others, their families and other youth organisations (Charity et al, 2022).…”

“…Young people who leave the care system face significant changes in their lives, much younger than their parents, and they lose most of the economic, social and emotional support previously provided by the care system (Charity et al, 2022). Care leavers seek employment and a new home, supporting others, their families and other youth organisations (Charity et al, 2022). Even with extended support, those who leave care face difficulties in acquiring higher education and training, finding and maintaining employment, securing stable homes, and building and maintaining healthy relationships (Bond, 2020;Campos, 2020;Charity et al, 2022).…”

“…Care leavers seek employment and a new home, supporting others, their families and other youth organisations (Charity et al, 2022). Even with extended support, those who leave care face difficulties in acquiring higher education and training, finding and maintaining employment, securing stable homes, and building and maintaining healthy relationships (Bond, 2020;Campos, 2020;Charity et al, 2022). Studies have also shown that careless individuals struggle to meet their basic needs.…”

Invisibilized victims: the sexual exploitation of children and adolescents in the European context / Víctimas invisibilizadas: la explotación sexual de niños, niñas y adolescentes en el contexto europeo

“…ausencia de apoyos(Pote et al, 2022). A su vez, si bien no es el mecanismo más frecuente, la violencia física también es usada por los explotadores, especialmente por aquellos más jóvenes(Anderson et al, 2014), y contribuye a que las víctimas permanezcan en relaciones de explotación bajo amenazas, disminuyendo de este modo el riesgo de dolor y sufrimiento, y aportando una falsa sensación de protección y seguridad.…”