Young adults leaving care constitute a particularly vulnerable population, encountering multiple challenges as they navigate this transition in the absence of familial support and broader social resources. This study’s aim was to explore the risks experienced by at-risk young adult Arabs in Israel as they transition out of care, with particular attention to how their minority status and cultural context shapes their journey as care leavers. Semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions were conducted with 18 Arab care leavers. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis approach. Three main themes were identified: family risk cycles; children of care; and loss and unbelonging after leaving care. The study highlights the profound experiences of social exclusion and marginalization faced by care leavers from ethnic minority backgrounds. Implications for practice include the development of gender-responsive interventions, contextually informed programs, and mentoring initiatives that promote social inclusion and reduce stigma and labelling among care leavers from ethnic minority backgrounds.
