Availability of support systems for youth who left child and youth care centres during COVID-19.

Background: Youth who left child and youth care centres (CYCCs) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were exposed to unique scale of challenges compared to their peers. Their transition period required them to have solid plans for their uncertain future towards independence. In further compounding their challenges was their being indeterminate given the uncertainties associated with COVID-19. It was therefore, essential for them to have the necessary support systems to aid them both during their period in care as well as when they left these centres.

Aim: This study sought to explore available support systems for youth who left care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Setting: The setting of this study was Ekurhuleni metro municipality in Gauteng province of South Africa.

Methods: This was a qualitative study. A total of 12 youth who left care centres during the COVID-19 were recruited through purposive sampling to participate in semi-structured interviews. Data analysis followed Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis strategy, and trustworthiness was guided by credibility, dependability, transferability and confirmability.

Results: The findings revealed the existence of support from various systems including the CYCCs themselves, social workers from both the CYCCs and the communities, sponsors, primary caregivers as well as friends.

Conclusion: Youth who leave CYCC develop relationships from the care centres. These relationships form the basis of their support, upon which they rely even after their departure from these centres.

Contributions: The study highlighted the importance of considering the impact of COVID-19 on the CYCCs and significance of supporting youth leaving them during pandemics such as COVID-19.