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The policy context of leaving care services: A case study of Northern Ireland

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  • Collins, Mary Elizabeth
  • Pinkerton, John

Abstract

The transition of foster youth from state care to independent living has received increased research, practice, and policy attention in the United States and in many other countries. Most contributions to this literature have focused on documenting poor outcomes across various dimensions of need in the young people's lives whereas little attention has been given to the policy context in which the responses to those needs are being developed. In this article, we argue that there is a pressing need for better understanding of how the policy context can both promote and impede the development of appropriate services. To illustrate our argument, we use Northern Ireland as a policy case study both because of recent initiatives underway there in regard to youth transitions from state care and because of the heightened political sensibilities associated with it as a society. We draw attention to the socio-political historical context, a number of intersecting social policies, and the place of social work as a key occupation involved in delivering service improvements. We conclude by suggesting that this case study not only highlights the need to address similar aspects of the policy on youth transition from state care in the United States but also demonstrates the benefits of reflecting on policy development and implementation elsewhere in the world.

Suggested Citation

  • Collins, Mary Elizabeth & Pinkerton, John, 2008. "The policy context of leaving care services: A case study of Northern Ireland," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 30(11), pages 1279-1288, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:30:y:2008:i:11:p:1279-1288
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stein, Mike, 2006. "Young people aging out of care: The poverty of theory," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 28(4), pages 422-434, April.
    2. Duncan Mcvicar, 2000. "Marginalized Young People and Social Inclusion Policy in Northern Ireland," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(9), pages 883-888.
    3. Buchanan, A., 2006. "Children aged 0-13 at risk of social exclusion: Impact of government policy in England and Wales," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 28(10), pages 1135-1151, October.
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    1. Pinkerton, John, 2011. "Constructing a global understanding of the social ecology of leaving out of home care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(12), pages 2412-2416.
    2. Collins, Mary Elizabeth & Scott, Judith C., 2019. "Intersection of race and religion for youth in foster care: Examining policy and practice," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 163-170.
    3. Höjer, Ingrid & Sjöblom, Yvonne, 2011. "Procedures when young people leave care — Views of 111 Swedish social services managers," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(12), pages 2452-2460.

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