Understanding orphaned young people's experience of leaving care in India: A qualitative study. (June 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Keshri, Ankit Kumar
• Is Part Of: Developmental child welfare. Volume 5:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 79
• Page End: 92
• Publication Date: 2023-06
• Subjects: Leaving care -- care leaver -- care experience -- young people -- orphan; Child welfare -- Periodicals; Poor children -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; Poor youth -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; Poor children -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Poor youth -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Poor youth -- Social conditions; Poor children -- Social conditions; Poor children -- Health and hygiene; Child welfare; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 362.705
• DOI: 10.1177/25161032231171973
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2516-1032

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore Indian orphaned young people's perspectives on leaving care. To accomplish this, the researcher conducted in-depth interviews with 13 Indian youth with significant care experience in institutional and residential arrangements. The understanding of care leaving presented here is based on retrospective insights that young people with care experience shared regarding their experiences of leaving care. The results included four themes: 'miscommunication about care leaving', 'an undesirable ending', 'limited knowledge about new life' and 'key factors for a better transition'. The findings imply that care leaving should be an extended process, not an event. Thus, a dedicated program focusing on care leaving is required. Also, allowing young people to participate in transition planning is essential and can be best ensured with effective communication and carefully formulated care plans. Further, access to extended support in the form of comprehensive and compulsory 'aftercare' services is suggested for achieving better outcomes for young people with care experience.