“Don't stand up on unlevel ground”: Care leavers' experiences of out-of-home care

Key Points

• Care leavers reported significant emotional challenges during their time in out-of-home care, emphasizing the need for better support systems.
• Qualitative data revealed that many encounters with social services lacked adequate emotional support for young adults in care.
• The study utilized in-depth interviews to capture the nuanced experiences of care leavers, enhancing understanding of their needs.
• Findings indicate that without enhanced support networks, care leavers may struggle significantly during their transition to independence.