Young people leaving alternative care are often left without the support they need to go through this transition. Too often, they have to leave care at a too early age – 18 years, even 14 years, and in an abrupt way. Without anybody to guide them, listen to them or support them financially, many young care leavers struggle to finish their education with a degree, find a job, or secure a flat. Research shows that many care leavers are at a higher risk of being homeless, unemployed or under-employed, under-educated or dependent on social security.
The Leaving Care Campaign is a knowledge-sharing project on developing policies and improving legislation and practice for young people aging out of alternative care systems across Europe and Central Asia. Young people with experience in growing up in alternative care actively take part in the project and contribute to shaping policy and practice.
The Leaving Care Campaign is a knowledge-sharing project on developing policies and improving legislation and practice for young people aging out of alternative care systems across Europe and Central Asia. Young people with experience in growing up in alternative care actively take part in the project and contribute to shaping policy and practice.
As part of the Leaving Care Campaign, SOS Children’s Villages developed a series of briefing papers to share good practices and promote global information exchange on preparation for leaving care and after care support. The series includes interviews with young people, academics and professionals. In this first edition, Professor Mike Stein contributes an article on strengthening youth resiliency and Maria Herczog highlights the role of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. Also included is a presentation utilizing youth network for successful advocacy.
