Supported Independent Living and Care Leaving
Supported independent living provides for a young person’s transition to adulthood as he or she reaches an age and capacity to live more independently, and expresses the desire to do so. “Care leaving” refers to the follow-up support needed for youth who have lived in residential or foster care and have reached the age of independence (usually 18 years or older). Research has shown that this can be a very difficult, isolating, and high-risk time for youth, especially when this transition occurs without the appropriate planning and support.
Youth entering into supported independent living require individualized care planning and follow-up. They should be actively and fully involved in developing their care plans, identifying solutions to any obstacles to overcome as they leave residential care and what will need to be in pace for them to be successful, identifying their strengths and needs, and discerning goals to attain. A care plan developed in response to these needs may include assistance in strengthening life skills, budgeting, cooking, job seeking, and integration into the community. Identifying and preparing mentors, linking youth with peer support groups, and arranging work apprenticeships in the community can provide youth with key relationships and support as they navigate their individual paths to independence. Moving from residential care to independent living should happen only when the goals of the preparation process have been met.
The Care Leaver Experience: A Report on Children and Young People’s Experiences in and After Leaving Residential Care in Uganda Addresses the need for evidence-based research about the care leaver experience, a study was facilitated by the Uganda Care Leavers project by conducting peer-led participatory workshops throughout the country. These care leavers, identified by local community leaders and networks, were invited to participate in workshops where they completed surveys about their experiences. The study focused on understanding the care leavers’ experiences: Prior to entry into residential care, In residential care, after leaving residential care (including preparation and after-care support, help and advice received before leaving care, and after-care support). (Ismael Ddumba-Nyanzi, Melissa Fricke, Angie Hong Max, Mai Nambooze, Mark Riley – Uganda Care Leavers project)
How to Engage Care Leavers in Care Reform Guidance produced with the Kenya Society of Care Leavers to address questions of how to best engage people with this important voice in care reform. Sections include: understanding residential care facilities and the children living within them; supporting children and youth prior to exiting residential care; supporting children after exiting care; how to speak about or use the stories of care leavers; information for faith-based organizations and volunteers; and engaging care leavers in program design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. (Changing the Way We Care)
Independent Living Review Provides a review of literature about independent living programs, featuring the methodology and approach used, findings and policy on alternative care arrangements, and needs of and support offered to care leavers. Covers aspects such as relationships, education, housing, and social inclusion. Findings regarding care leavers are applied to street children. The conclusion presents recommendations for future research, practice, and policy. (Retrak)
Preparation for Independent Living Provides a compilation of articles on the topic of preparing young people to leave care, including good practice examples, resources, youth perspectives, and more. (SOS Children’s Villages International)
Best Practices in Transitioning Youth out of Care, Successful Transitions, Success as Adults Examines literature on the best practices for youth aging out of care that indicate successful outcomes for them as adults; and identifies factors that may present barriers to youth leaving care and transitioning to adulthood, including lack of supportive relationships, educational challenges, housing instability, and economic challenges. (Children’s Aid Society of Toronto)
Guidelines for Kinship Care, Foster Care and Supported Independent Living in Liberia Includes sections on identifying children, preventing separation, family reintegration, responsibilities, sensitization in the community, and step-by-step guidance for kinship care, foster care, and independent living. (Government of Liberia et al.)
Kenya Careleavers Conference Report: “How I Left Care” Explores issues surrounding care institutions, specifically in relation to reintegration, the topic of choice for the care leavers. (Kenya Society of Careleavers)