Every Life Matters: Empowering Care Leavers on Their Path to Independence

Abstract

Following the transition into society, adolescents' rehabilitation and social integration are the main concerns for child care institutions (CCIs). By recognizing the challenges adolescents face, it is possible to facilitate their rehabilitation and integration into society. This study aims to identify the issues and obstacles impeding care leavers' rehabilitation and integration process, as perceived by caregivers. The researcher employs social constructivism as a theoretical framework and qualitative description method as the research design. The study involved eight participants, selected through purposive sampling, and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. The study's findings elucidate the risk and protective factors associated with the issues faced by care leavers, including caregiving environment and support, social and community support, educational challenges, psychological and emotional challenges, social isolation and discrimination, among others. Based on the findings, the researcher has developed a Holistic Care Integration and Transition (HCIT) framework for practitioners and policymakers.