Longer-term Contributions of Informal and Formal Supports: Experiences of Jordanian Care Leavers

Purpose: The problems faced by young people leaving residential care to join the adult world are well known. These problems are exacerbated in The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, where the prevailing collectivist culture values... [ view full abstract ]

Purpose: The problems faced by young people leaving residential care to join the adult world are well known. These problems are exacerbated in The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, where the prevailing collectivist culture values family identity as a source of self-worth and support. Little research exists to describe the experiences of care-leavers ageing out of child protection systems in the Middle East, despite the pervasive use of institutions to provide long-term alternative care when children are orphaned, abandoned or maltreated. This qualitative study examines the strategies employed by young adults to support themselves as they transition from residential care to independent living in Jordan.

Methods: The first wave of semi-structured interviews and focus groups took place with forty-two care-leavers in 2007. Participants were 50% female, between the ages 17 to 28 years, and had spent an average of 14 years in residential care. Recognising the need for longitudinal research with care leavers, a follow-up study exploring longer-term developments in the lives of the same cohort since the first interview is now in its final stages. A particular focus is on coping with a forced individuality in a collective culture, and the longer-term influences of formal and informal supports on positive turning points in the lives of these young people. A grounded theory analytical framework was employed.

Findings: The study found that care leavers struggled with the challenge of a forced individuality and independence. They felt isolated as they sought to establish themselves in adult roles without the benefit of stable resources and without the benefit of being part of a kin-group. Generally care leavers are highly stigmatised. However, cultural traditions of extending support to individuals lacking their own natural support network and the increase of formal services contributed to more positive outcomes in various life domains.

Implications: While findings elucidate the importance of addressing structures that produce marginalisation and perpetuate cycles of vulnerability. In parallel, there is a need to increase understanding of contributions of both informal and formal supports to longer-term positive turning points, and in varying contexts. Given the shared patriarchal culture evident throughout the Middle East, the results of the study can inform policy and practice development in the region. Additionally, it offers understanding for western professionals working with Middle Eastern communities, particularly with the recent wave of migration to Europe and other western countries. The theoretical implications from this study focus on the inclusion of the cultural context within frameworks pertaining to care leavers.