Obstacles to participation in education, employment and training for young people leaving care

Jo Dixon

doi:10.1921/swssr.v13i2.470

Authors

Jo Dixon

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/swssr.v13i2.470

Keywords:

young people, leaving care, education, unemployment, outcomes

Abstract

This paper focuses on the early career outcomes of young people leaving care. It draws upon the findings of a study of young people leaving care in seven English local authorities under The Children Leaving Care Act 2000 (CLCA), to explore the extent of participation and factors associated with career outcomes (Dixon et al., 2006) [1]. The paper shows that despite an increased policy focus on education and career options, care leavers continue to be disadvantaged and face considerable challenges in terms of entering and sustaining post-16 participation in education, employment and training. The problems associated with leaving care are well documented, however, less is known about the factors associated with young people doing better or worse after care. The paper explores the extent and nature of the obstacles faced by young people as they begin their career journey and utilises the study findings to locate them within the care and leaving care experience. It presents key findings, which highlight factors associated with obstructing and promoting positive career outcomes. Finally, the paper considers strategies for supporting young people in and leaving care to maximise their career options and opportunities.

References

Banks, M., Bates, I., Breakwell, G., Bynner, J., Emler, N., Jamieson, L., and Roberts, K. (1992) Careers and Identities. Buckingham: Open University Press\nBiehal, N., Clayden, J., Stein, M., and Wade, J. (1995) Moving On: young people and leaving care schemes. London: HMSO\nBroad, B. (1998) Young People Leaving Care: Life after the Children Act 1989. London: Jessica Kingsley\nBroad, B. (2003) After the Act: Implementing the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000. (De Montfort University, Children and Families Research Unit Monograph, No. 3) Leicester: De Montfort University\nBynner, J. and Parsons, S. (2002) Social exclusion and the transition from school to work: The case of young people not in education, employment or training. Journal of Vocational Behaviour, 60,: 289-309\nCheung, Y. and Heath, A. (1994) After care: The education and occupation of adults who have been in care’. Oxford Review of Education, 20, 3, 361-374\nCourtney, M., Dworsky, A., Ruth, G., Keller, T., Havlicek, J., and Bost, N. (2005) Midwest Evaluation of the Functioning of Former Foster Youth: Outcomes at age 19. Chicago: University of Chicago, Chapin Hall Centre for Children\nDepartment for Education and Skills (2000) Youth Cohort Study: Education, training and employment of 16-18 year olds in England. (Statistical Bulletin, May) London: DfES\nDepartment for Education and Skills (2003) Participation in Education, Training and Employment by 16 – 18 year olds in England: 2001 and 2002. London: DfES\nDepartment for Education and Skills (2005) Participation in education training and employment by 16-18 year olds in England 1985 to 2003. London: DfES\nDepartment for Education and Skills (2006a) Children Looked After in England (including Adoptions and Care leavers) 2005-06. London: DfES\nDepartment for Education and Skills (2006b) Outcome Indicators for Looked After Children: Twelve months to 30 September 2005. England. London: DfES\nDepartment for Education and Skills (2006c) Youth Cohort Study: The activities and experiences of 18 year olds: England and Wales. London: DfES\nDepartment for Education and Skills (2006d) Care Matters: Transforming the lives of Children and Young People in Care. HMSO\nDepartment for Education and Skills (2007) Care Matters: Time for change. London: HMSO\nDixon, J. and Stein, M. (2005) Leaving Care: Throughcare and aftercare in Scotland. London: Jessica Kingsley\nDixon, J. (2006) Pathways to Work Experience: Helping care leavers into employment. a review of the York Cares Starting Blocks Project. York: University of York, Social Work Research and Development Unit\nDixon, J., Wade, J., Byford, S., Weatherly, H., and Lee, J. (2006) Young People Leaving Care: A study of costs and outcomes. Report to the DfES. York: University of York, Social Work Research and Development Unit\nHibbert, A., Fogelman, K. and Maoner, O. (1990) Occupational outcomes of truancy. British Journal of Education Psychology, 60, 1, 23-36\nHM Inspectors of Schools and the Social Work Services Inspectorate (2001) Learning with Care. The education of children looked after away from home by local authorities. Edinburgh: Scottish Executive\nJackson, S. (2002) Promoting stability and continuity in care away from home, in D. McNeish, T. Newman, and R. Roberts What Works for Children? Buckingham: Open University Press\nJackson, S., Ajayi, S., and Quigley, M. (2003) By Degrees: The first year from care to university. London: University of London, Thomas Coram Research Unit\nJones, A., Nathan, M., and Westwood, A. (2004) Marks and Start: Opening the door to employment? London: The Work Foundation\nNewburn, T., Ward, J., and Pearson, G. (2002) Drug Use among Young People in Care. Youth Citizenship and Social Change Research Briefing Paper, no.7, Autumn. Swindon: ESRC\nPinkerton, J. and McCrea, R. (1999) Meeting the Challenge? Young people leaving care in Northern Ireland. Aldershot: Ashgate\nSocial Exclusion Unit (2003) A Better Education for Children in care, London: Social Exclusion Unit\nSocial Exclusion Unit (2002) Young Runaways. London: Social Exclusion Unit\nStein, M. (2004) What Works for Young People Leaving Care? Barkingside: Barnardos\nStein, M. and Carey, K. (1986) Leaving Care, Oxford: Blackwell\nYouth Justice Board (2002) Summary of the MORI 2002 Youth Survey. London: Youth Justice Board\n