SUPPORTING RESEARCH, EVIDENCE AND KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE IN SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL CARE

Congratulations new publications

Scottish Journal of Residential Child Care Volume 20.1

Title: The role of informal networks in the lives of young people transitioning

from care: A review of the literature

Philip Teer: Team Leader, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust

Abstract

Young people leaving the care system face significant challenges when making the

transition to adulthood, with limited support from other agencies. Their outcomes

are significantly poorer than those of their non-care peers. This review aims to

synthesise recent research on informal network support for care leavers making

the transition to adulthood. Method: A systematic search was undertaken using

three bibliographic databases: PsycINFO (Ovid platform), Social Care Online

(SCIE) and Social Services Abstracts. Systematic searching identified three

concepts: "children in care", "transition" and "social networks". Ten articles were

identified for inclusion. Findings: Informal networks play an important role in

promoting wellbeing and better outcomes in adulthood. There is also growing

recognition of the importance of an educative approach to strengthen young

people's internal resources, increase their ability to develop relationships and to

raise awareness of the difficulties care leavers have in developing relationships

due to trauma. Conclusion: Recent research highlights the emerging importance of

interdependent living programmes to complement traditional independent living

programmes and the important role relationships have for wellbeing and improving

life outcomes for care leavers. The review identifies opportunities for further

research to explore the development of interdependent approaches before the

transition from care to adulthood.

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