Into the mainstream: care leavers entering work, education and training

Abstract

This report explores the experience of young people leaving local authority care as they attempt to engage in the adult world of employment, training and education, and identifies some of the factors that help and hinder them. Based on interviews with 36 young care leavers in a large rural area, it looks at their current and previous economic circumstances and activities, their support networks, and the factors that affected their career options after 16, such as housing needs, substance abuse and debt. It explores the influence that their formal and informal support networks, their care background and their educational history had on their achievements, and identifies key areas that enable them to make a smoother transition into adult life. The study recognises the remarkable resilience many young care leavers show, but acknowledges the difficulties many have when surviving on a low income without parental support. In particular, it highlights the vital role of support networks, both formal and informal.