Young people at risk of homelessness, joblessness after leaving care
Research by Empowering People in Care — (EPIC) — formally the Irish Association of Young People in Care — tracked 65 17-18-year-olds who were preparing to, or had recently left, care.
It also investigated the aftercare supports they received and how they fared.
It found that the young people faced particular challenges including:
* Numerous accommodation moves during the transition to independent living, which was associated with a greater risk of homelessness.
* Difficulties when attempting to find employment or to access further education or training.
* Dependency on social welfare as their main source of income.
* Coping with the difficulties arising from having mental health needs.
* Lacking some of the necessary skills to live independently.
The young people profiled mostly had one or two placements while in care. However, eight had five or more placements, while one person who had 42 different placements.
One of the main ways in which young people’s circumstances can change when they leave care relates to their housing or living situations.
The study found that 20 had experienced three or more moves in the last 21 months, half of whom were currently living in private rented accommodation. Further analysis showed that young people who had moved at least three times were at greater risk of being homeless at some stage during their transition from care.
In relation to education, the research shows that over time, young people were less likely to be studying or doing a training course and more likely to be unemployed.
The importance of social supports during the transition to adulthood is also highlighted as “especially critical” for young people leaving care.
More than 85% of the teenagers said they had at least one adult they could turn to for advice and support.
Examples included foster carers, siblings, parents, grandparents and aftercare workers.
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