Leaving Care and the Transition to Adulthood

This important book explores young people's transitions from care to adulthood by drawing on and integrating theoretical, research, and practice perspectives. In addressing current gaps in theoretical knowledge, it discusses the contribution of developmental theory, social networks, resilience, and rights perspectives. This provides the foundation for the presentation of original research studies from six very different countries and leads into an exploration of topical practice issues, including mental health, empowerment, peer support, and the experiences of indigenous youth leaving care. This volume provides new and challenging international insights into the emerging adulthood of care leavers; it is essential reading for all those who work with young people aging out of care, including practitioners from different agencies, policy makers, researchers, and students. * Mike Stein, Emeritus Professor of Social Policy, University of York *
This is an exceptionally valuable book. Through a genuinely international perspective, it moves forward the debate on how to meet the needs of young people making the transition from care to adulthood, as well as being a significant contribution to OUP's Emerging Adulthood Series. The strong section on theoretical perspectives provides a context within which the policy and practice issues can be better understood. This is a book that should be required reading not only for all those who have responsibilities for young people making the transition from care to adulthood, but also for everyone who has an interest in narrowing the gap between the most and the least disadvantaged young people. * Harriet Ward, Emeritus Professor of Child and Family Research, Loughborough University *