What helps young people succeed in leaving care?: A Case Study from the Czech Republic

Successful participation in the labor market is a key factor for promoting social integration into society for young people in general, but especially those youth from vulnerable populations such as youth in care. However,... [ view full abstract ]

Successful participation in the labor market is a key factor for promoting social integration into society for young people in general, but especially those youth from vulnerable populations such as youth in care. However, little is known about the “how” of the work experiences, the support young people receive and how work experience is related to other life events. Yet for young people who have left care, it is difficult to find and keep a job. The main focus of this study is addressed at understanding the following: What are the work experiences of these young people when they leave care? what are their ways of support into employment and other life areas? And how does work influence other aspects of life?
This study focuses on 12 cases in the Czech Republic that succeed after leaving care and it is aimed at describing the care leavers’ work experiences since they left care and analyzing the support they received and the influences that their work history played in their life. The study is a follow-up/replication in Czech Republic of the work previously done by Arnau and Gilligan (2015) based on research in Ireland and Catalonia about care leavers’ successful experiences in the world of work (Care to Work Pathways Study)
A qualitative methodology (semi-structured interview) was used to collect and analyze the data. The criteria used to select participants were: being aged between 25-35 years old, had spent a significant part of adolescence in care, being at work and having extensive work experience.
The study analyzes care leavers successful trajectories in the world of work, functional supports and other influences. For young people leaving care, work can be an important stabilizing factor and could have positive ripple effects in education, in developing soft and hard skills and in building up their own social support network. Thus, findings to be presented focus especially on the influences supporting positive progress on work pathways.
Based on the findings of this study some insights on supports that youth have encountered in their work experiences are highlighted, in order to help inform work with young people leaving care within the system in the Czech Republic and to promote reflection on the role that carers play in young care leavers’ progress in the world of work.