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Article
Publication date: 1 May 2023

Emily Rice and Shelley O'Connor

Care leavers are identified as a vulnerable group within UK society and, unsurprisingly, are more susceptible to mental health problems. Research highlights inadequacies among UK…

Abstract

Purpose

Care leavers are identified as a vulnerable group within UK society and, unsurprisingly, are more susceptible to mental health problems. Research highlights inadequacies among UK Government provisions combined with poorer outcomes for care leavers. This paper aims to measure the effectiveness of provisions on mental health when transitioning from the care system to adulthood.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review was conducted to identify and highlight the inadequacies of provisions in place to aid a care leaver’s transition and the effects on their mental health. Of the 211 studies identified from the search, six studies met the eligibility criteria and were deemed eligible by the researcher for further exploration of themes.

Findings

The findings identified feeling isolated, training given to care professionals and caregivers, collaboration, lack of preparation and support and access and gaps in provisions as the five key themes. The overarching theme of interconnectedness and interplay between subthemes, mental health and a care leaver’s transition, is strongly presented throughout. Many participants within the individual studies reported negative findings illustrating the weaknesses of provisions and the negative effect on their mental health. Furthermore, the findings emphasise the unique nature of everyone’s experience transitioning out of the care system.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of the review is the selection of key words, which may have restricted the results produced during the main search, subsequently affecting the amount of relevant data extracted and synthesised. Finally, less emphasis on grey literature and more on empirical studies reduces the probability of discovering null or negative findings, therefore increasing the chances of publication bias (Paez, 2017). A small number of eligible studies increase the risk of not making important comparisons, prompting a wider search to be conducted in the future. An unequal ratio between national and international research in the systematic review restricts fresh perspectives and strategies concerning the mental health of care leavers.

Practical implications

Care leavers are identified as a vulnerable group within society and, unsurprisingly, are more susceptible to mental health problems. The UK Government enforces national and local policies to support young adults leaving the care system and transitioning to independence. However, previous research highlights inadequacies among provisions, combined with poorer mental health outcomes for care leavers.

Social implications

Following on from gaps in the current findings, an investigation into regional disparities across provisions aimed at assisting care leavers transitioning to independence would produce useful information for the field and policymakers. Although current research addresses the essence of interplay between mental health and transitioning, further research is required to help build a supporting argument for adaptations and improvements in policies and practice.

Originality/value

This study supports the argument for an increase in attention from the UK Government and policymakers to improve the quality and quantity of support for a population often underserved and marginalised, especially in terms of reducing poorer mental health outcomes.

Details

Journal of Children’s Services, vol. 18 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-6660

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Youth Transitions Out of State Care: Being Recognized as Worthy of Care, Respect, and Support
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80262-487-8

Abstract

Details

Youth Transitions Out of State Care: Being Recognized as Worthy of Care, Respect, and Support
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80262-487-8

Book part
Publication date: 5 February 2024

Hayley Alderson and Carrie Harrop

When teaching in or around the subject of care-experienced young people, it is important for information to be presented in a way that not only creates an understanding of the…

Abstract

When teaching in or around the subject of care-experienced young people, it is important for information to be presented in a way that not only creates an understanding of the prevalence of care experience but also emphasises the myriad of life challenges associated with experiences of being involved in the care system.

It is known that out of the 12 million children living in England, just under 400,000 (3%) are known to the social care system at any one time and just over 82,000 of these children are ‘looked after’, under the legal guardianship of local authorities in England.

It will not be unusual for students to come to university with little or no exposure to or understanding of children in care, their lives or what it means to be care experienced. Therefore, teaching in this area needs to draw attention to the reasons as to why care experiences result in hardships, this can be done by identifying why care experience is a sensitive subject area. This chapter identifies some (but not all) of the common adversities that care-experienced young people often face inclusive of changes in accommodation and placement instability, insecure relationships, poor mental health, disrupted education, substance misuse, and poverty.

Details

Developing and Implementing Teaching in Sensitive Subject and Topic Areas: A Comprehensive Guide for Professionals in FE and HE Settings
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-126-4

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Youth Transitions Out of State Care: Being Recognized as Worthy of Care, Respect, and Support
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80262-487-8

Abstract

Details

Youth Transitions Out of State Care: Being Recognized as Worthy of Care, Respect, and Support
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80262-487-8

Abstract

Details

Youth Transitions Out of State Care: Being Recognized as Worthy of Care, Respect, and Support
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80262-487-8

Abstract

Details

Youth Transitions Out of State Care: Being Recognized as Worthy of Care, Respect, and Support
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80262-487-8

Book part
Publication date: 2 May 2023

Natalie Glynn

Abstract

Details

Youth Transitions Out of State Care: Being Recognized as Worthy of Care, Respect, and Support
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80262-487-8

Abstract

Details

Youth Transitions Out of State Care: Being Recognized as Worthy of Care, Respect, and Support
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80262-487-8

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