Young People Leaving Care

4649 Words19 Pages
Despite very significant attempts to improve outcomes for looked after children, this social group remain vulnerable to social exclusion. Why are young people leaving care vulnerable to social exclusion and why do policy initiatives appear to falter? Critically Discuss. “It has long been apparent to those working with young people in and leaving care that many experience considerable difficulties related to poor physical, mental and general well-being, which without adequate support, can have a lasting impact on future progress” (Dixon, 2008:207). For young people leaving care, such ‘difficulties’ are highlighted in research which suggests in 2006, only 12% of children in care achieved 5 A* to C grades at GCSE, compared to 59% of all children, and 38% leave care prior to the age of 18. Whilst 30 % of care leavers aged 19 were not in education, employment or training (NEET), (DfES, 2007). Stein (2006:273) summarises these findings, arguing that young care leavers are disproportionately represented in every vulnerable group, and are more likely to experience homelessness or prison; poorer health outcomes, and early parenthood. As Dixon (2008:2007) suggests, the above factors ‘can have a lasting impact on future progress’, which in turn may result in young people leaving care being vulnerable to social exclusion, unless they receive considerable support during their time in care, and once they have left. The Government has subsequently attempted to address the above issues by creating a number of policies and guidance focussing on improving the quality of care young people receive whilst in care and upon leaving, in an attempt to provide the best start to life and reducing the numbers of those who are vulnerable to be socially excluded. The first task of this paper will be to define the term ‘social exclusion’. The paper will proceed to outline a number
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