‘I Don't Think I Would've Survived Without Having a Constant Support System’: Independent Living Skills Acquisition During the Transition From Care in Western Australia

Abstract

For care-experienced young people, the preparation for leaving out-of-home care (OOHC) is vital in support of post-OOHC outcomes. This research explores the acquisition of Independent Living Skills (ILS) amongst young people in Western Australia and is based on interviews with care-experienced young people at two time points: while in OOHC and after leaving OOHC. Overall, 72% of participants were female, 45% had a disability and 45% identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Total years spent in care ranged from 2 to 16 years. This study adopts two research methods; first, using eight different domains to conceptualise the ILS needed in early adulthood, interview transcript data was cross-referenced to understand the interconnected nature of ILS. Second, a thematic analysis was conducted of the interview transcripts to highlight participants' experiences. Findings highlight three themes relating to System Impacts, Social and Cultural Capital and Practical Identity and Self-focus upon acquiring ILS. The findings address this Special Issue's sub-themes, namely in relation to highlighting (1) examples of good policy and practice in transition planning and/or ongoing gaps in transitions from care policy, practice and implementation for 15–18 year olds/assisting care leavers aged 18–21 years and providing (2) lived experience perspectives.