This study is a retrospective discussion of the experiences faced by young Jordanian adults who grew up in residential care before entering adult life. These young adults use their life experiences to demonstrate the challenges that people exiting residential care face. Per this chapter, post-care experience is influenced by in-care experience.
The researcher used a semi-structured interview design to capture the experiences of 42 Jordanian care leavers, which were equal numbers male and female. The study found that care leavers experienced the same difficulties as care leavers in other countries. The article points out that in Western states, the state is the welfare provider while in Arab societies, the family is the primary safety net. Care for orphans is considered in high regard.
Residential care is the primary source of care in Jordan. Due to care leaver issues being brought to the forefront, the government established a post-care unit to support young care leavers.
The researcher found that academically, half of participants had left care without passing their academic qualifications. Several residential facilities had different preparation for every day life programs, but these training programs were often sporadic and involved basic hygiene, transportation, budgeting, and psychology-oriented workshops. Jobs depended on the facility’s ability to procure jobs on the participants’ behalf. Regardless of other outcomes, participants tended to report positive relationships with one another and influential adults.