The school to work transition for young people in state care: perspectives from young people, carers and professionals

Abstract

Workforce participation has many positive effects on quality of life. However, as young people in care have generally below-average levels of educational participation and attainment, they may be ill-equipped for the transition to further education and work. A mixed-method study conducted in Australia about career development for young people in care investigated how this population develops ideas about future work: the social and cognitive variables that influence career decision-making; practices for preparing young people in care for the transition to work or further education; and factors that support or impede the transition. Findings from the qualitative study are reported in this paper. Interview data were obtained from the multiple perspectives of young people in care, foster carers, caseworkers and school personnel. The overall picture was one of young people in care lacking the encouragement, resources and capacity to realistically plan for the job they want. Specific interventions are required to enhance career development and employment outcomes for this population.