Young people's transitions from care to adulthood in European and postcommunist Eastern European and Central Asian societies

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Abstract

This paper explores comparative material from two publications that provided mapping information on young people's transitions from care to adulthood. It draws on two samples: first, a European sample which included 9 noncommunist European countries and second, a sample of 14 postcommunist societies which included 9 European and 3 Central Asian countries. The paper outlines descriptive data on population, the placement of children living apart from their birth families, the age of leaving care, the legal and policy framework for preparation and aftercare, official (secondary) data and research, and policy and practice recommendations. The paper also discusses the application of Esping-Andersen's welfare regime typology in relation to leaving care policy. It is suggested that its application raises questions at two levels: first, in relation to leaving care policy within the sample of European countries, and second, in its relevance, at a more general level, to postcommunist societies. In conclusion, it is suggested the paper provides a starting point for further empirical and theoretical comparative work in this area.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)24-38
Number of pages15
JournalAustralian Social Work
Volume67
Issue number1
Early online date2 Oct 2013
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2014

Keywords

  • care leavers
  • looked after children
  • social work
  • transition
  • comparative
  • Europe
  • Eastern European
  • Central Asian
  • postcommunist societies

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