‘It’s been a massive struggle’: Exploring the experiences of young people leaving care during COVID-19

Roberts, Louise ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6154-3549, Mannay, Dawn ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7368-4111, Rees, Alyson ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2363-4965, Bayfield, Hannah ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9589-5120, Corliss, Cindy ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0990-8798, Diaz, Clive ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5681-9056 and Vaughan, Rachael ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6951-8647 2021. ‘It’s been a massive struggle’: Exploring the experiences of young people leaving care during COVID-19. Young 29 (4S) , S81-S99. 10.1177/11033088211025949

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Abstract

This paper explores the experiences of young people leaving state careduring COVID-19. Twenty-one young people, predominantly from Wales, engaged in semi-structured interviews and / or contributed poems and artwork conveying their experiences of the pandemic. The data generated offered insights into young people’s daily lives, including their routines and relationships, as well as access to resources and services. The study found stark disparity in young people’s experiences, with some reassured by support responses, and others feeling neglected and forgotten. As an already disadvantaged group, the challenges presented by COVID19 further hinder young people’s transitions to adulthood. The ‘massive struggles’ faced by some young people reflect immediate difficulties which also have the potential for longer-term impacts. The recommendations of the study, informed by care-experienced young people, seek to positively influence policy and practice.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Social Sciences (Includes Criminology and Education) Children’s Social Care Research and Development Centre (CASCADE)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HM Sociology H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races L Education > L Education (General) N Fine Arts > N Visual arts (General) For photography, see TR
Uncontrolled Keywords:	care leaver, care experienced, foster care, young people, COVID-19; pandemic, youth; transitions to adulthood; marginalisation; mental health; participatory research methods; young people, youth transitions; artistic methods; social work
Publisher:	SAGE Publications (UK and US)
ISSN:	1103-3088
Funders:	Voices from Care Cymru
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	20 May 2021
Date of Acceptance:	20 May 2021
Last Modified:	06 Jan 2024 02:15
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/141483

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