Opportunities and challenges: supporting journeys into education and employment for young people leaving care in England

Research over the past three decades consistently shows poor outcomes in education and employment for young people leaving care in England. Evidence indicates lower levels of education attainment and post-16 participation for young people in and leaving care in comparison to other young people and suggests a lasting impact, with care experienced adults at greater risk of social exclusion, being overrepresented in marginalised groups such as the long-term unemployed, homeless and prison populations and adults with mental health difficulties. This paper draws on recent research carried out with young people leaving care to explore the challenges they face in finding and sustaining participation in education, employment and training. It shows that support from formal and informal sources to address the practical, emotional and financial challenges is crucial to successful journeys and that young people's own motivation and self-belief are significant factors in increasing and sustaining participation.