Aspirations, capabilities, and relationships: The transition to adulthood of unaccompanied refugee adolescents in the Netherlands

This thesis focuses on the influence of social relationships and institutions on the transition to adulthood of adolescents who fled to the Netherlands without their families. In the short period before adulthood, they have to process their experiences before and during their flight, make plans for the future, and overcome challenges in the present.

The literature review shows that the transition to adulthood should be viewed within policy contexts, from the perspective of adolescents' broad social network instead of through singular groups of actors such as social workers.

My research with adolescents themselves shows that they encounter challenges during the transition. Year-long waiting periods, for an asylum status and for family reunification, cause stress and uncertainties for adolescents. Especially since there is a lack of adequate reception facilities, and adolescents are often transferred between temporary emergency centres.

During and after the asylum procedure, adolescents often keep in touch with their parents. This enables the continuation of a sense of familyhood, despite physical separation. Their perceived role within their family does change over time. For example, adolescents often develop (increased) feelings of responsibility for their family's current or future wellbeing, by making preparations for the period after reunification.

In order to pursue their long-term aspirations, adolescents often have to set priorities in the short term. For example, to learn the language before they are able to study. In order to understand the choices of adolescents, the influence of the social network and institutions should be examined for each intermediate step.