Left to their own devices : the lived experience of young men who were in residential care : a qualitative study

Abstract

This research studies the lived experience of young men between the age of 20 and 30 years who when younger have been in care for more than a year. Using a qualitative methodology and an interpretative phenomenological approach 4 participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Findings show that past experiences of when the participants were still in care continue to influence them throughout their life. It was also found that the first few months on leaving care were the most difficult for the care leavers as they faced the most problems. Support was often offered to care leavers, helping in the creation of a smoother transition from care. This study recommends that more research is done focusing on the psychological aspect of leaving care. More support also needs to be offered to care leavers.