“Can I Survive on My Own?”: Young People’s Perspectives on the Implementation of Transition Planning in Out-of-Home Care

Abstract

Transition planning is a core child welfare practice designed to prepare young people (YP) in out-of-home care (OoHC) to live independently from Child Protection by age 18. It aims to address several domains shown to improve outcomes: active participation, housing, education and economic participation, independent living skills, and formal and informal support networks. Despite clear policy intent and evidence of what supports successful transitions, YP continue to experience inequitable outcomes after leaving OoHC. This study identified a range of structural and individual barriers and enablers influencing the implementation of transition planning and YP’s recommended strategies for improvement. Qualitative semi-structured interviews and one focus group were conducted with 27 YP currently living in, or recently transitioned from, foster, kinship, and residential OoHC in the Australian state of Victoria. The implementation of active participation was influenced by four factors (e.g., staff capability); education and economic participation by five factors (e.g., legislation); appropriate housing by three factors (e.g., housing availability); independent living skills by three factors (e.g., placement environments); and support networks by three factors (e.g., service design). Staff and carer capability was relevant across all domains, and legislation determined the parameters of support provided. Findings highlight the need to adapt transition-planning policy and service design to align with YP’s needs, strengthen workforce capability, enhance relational and placement stability, and increase access to safe housing and practical supports. Future research should co-design implementation strategies with YP and stakeholders to improve effective transition planning.