Young People’s Experiences of Transitioning Out of Care in India: Convergence of Two Frameworks

Abstract

Aftercare youth or care leavers are amongst the most vulnerable section of the youth population but they have immense potential and require support and guidance to become resilient and independent citizens who can give back to society. This study aims to highlight the challenges faced by care leavers due to the absence of or inadequate aftercare support during the transition, which increases care leavers’ vulnerabilities to homelessness, unemployment, substance misuse and ruptured social relationships. This research using a mixed-method approach with a descriptive research design involved the participation of 435 care leavers and 100 key informants, including government functionaries, duty-bearers and civil society practitioners. The findings stated that upon turning 18 years of age, youth transitioning out of childcare institutions to independent life in India experience many challenges, such as securing housing and identity documents; accessing education, skill development and employment opportunities; garnering psychosocial support and financial stability. It also found that continued aftercare support is necessary to foster independent living skills in these young people and enable their reintegration into mainstream society. While exploring the continuum of care approach from childcare to aftercare, the researchers developed the concept of a ‘Sphere of Aftercare’ (Beyond 18, 2019), comprising eight domains of support that are considered essential for a successful transition. This article highlights some of the case studies based on the interviews conducted with the respondent care leavers during this study. It uses two frameworks for analysis, namely the ‘Sphere of Aftercare’—developed as a result of the national study along with Udayan Care’s 28 years of experience as practitioners, and second the ‘Resilience Framework’ (Stein, 2006)—by Professor Mike Stein for outcomes as a care leaver. The study revealed a lack of transition planning at the level of childcare institutions and functionaries and a general lack of understanding of the holistic needs of youth in aftercare throughout the eight identified domains of the ‘Sphere of Aftercare’. The study also found an absence of clarity in stakeholders about their roles; a lack of data management with regard to the number of youth leaving care, leading to inadequate budget planning; and a lack of adequate monitoring mechanisms to assess care leavers’ outcomes. In light of this study’s findings, policy reforms and ways of developing robust aftercare programmes are recommended in relation to policy, practice and law, including the introduction of an Individual Aftercare Plan, increasing budget allocation for care leavers’ aftercare support and strengthening the voices of care leavers.