Abstract
Emerging adulthood is an exciting time, filled with possibilities while remaining supported. However, care leavers’ journeys into adulthood are compressed and lacking educational, financial, and social support. In South Africa, this is exacerbated by contextual factors and the absence of mandated services for care leavers. A qualitative study was conducted with four Child and Youth Care Centers in a town in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Focus groups were held with young people in care and their care workers. Discussions focused on preparation for leaving care and aftercare services and the evaluation of these by each group of participants. Care leaving preparation consisted of independent living skills programs. Aftercare services were provided on an ad hoc basis, and there was no policy with respect to services to care leavers. The findings suggest that ongoing experiential learning and implementation of in-house policies may better prepare care leavers for emerging adulthood.