Abstract
The transition process of LGBTQIA+ young people from care systems to adulthood faces all of the same issues as other young people exiting care (e.g., disruptive events, missing opportunities to build strong support networks, and lack of emotional and financial support) but some of their challenges are unique to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression.
Using data from three studies conducted in the Netherlands, Spain, and the United States, this chapter examines the experiences of LGBTQIA+ young people leaving care by exploring the challenges and sources of social support in their process of transition to independent living. In all three studies, young people experienced multiple forms of oppression in different contexts, faced unmet needs in care settings, unstable living conditions both in and after care, and were confronted with health and mental health issues. The importance of social support was evident in each story. In the final section of this chapter, we discuss the policy and practice implications for the development of safer and more inclusive care settings, as well as leaving care services better tailored to the particular needs of this group in care.
Using data from three studies conducted in the Netherlands, Spain, and the United States, this chapter examines the experiences of LGBTQIA+ young people leaving care by exploring the challenges and sources of social support in their process of transition to independent living. In all three studies, young people experienced multiple forms of oppression in different contexts, faced unmet needs in care settings, unstable living conditions both in and after care, and were confronted with health and mental health issues. The importance of social support was evident in each story. In the final section of this chapter, we discuss the policy and practice implications for the development of safer and more inclusive care settings, as well as leaving care services better tailored to the particular needs of this group in care.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Social Support of Young People in and after Residential Care: Is Someone There for You? |
| Subtitle of host publication | An International Perspective |
| Editors | Eunice Magalhães, Shalhevet Attar-Schwartz |
| Publisher | Routledge |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Accepted/In press - 2024 |