New research just published by the University of Oxford, in collaboration with the Universities of Exeter and York, highlights the challenges of transition into early adulthood for care experienced young people. The study, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, shows starkly different outcomes for those with care experience compared to their peers.
A policy brief includes the following headline messages:
- Care leavers and other care-experienced young people are disproportionately likely to be NEET at 20 years and 7 months.
- Strong link between labour market transitions and KS4 outcomes, which can be undermined by disrupted schooling.
- Strong link between special educational needs, mental health, disability and economic inactivity in early adulthood.
- Important role for further education and ‘second chance’ routes for care leavers and other care-experienced young people.
- Important role for local authority leaving care teams and virtual schools in providing guidance and access to initiatives to support labour market transitions.
- Scope for increased support and targeted opportunities from corporate parents and other employment and training providers.
The full report and executive summary are available on the Oxford website. For enquiries on the project, please contact the lead author, Dr Neil Harrison.
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