DEINSTITUTIONALIZATION OF YOUTH UNDER INSTITUTIONAL CARE: TRANSITION FROM INSTITUTIONAL CARE TO INDEPENDENT LIFE
DEINSTITUTIONALIZATION OF YOUTH UNDER INSTITUTIONAL CARE: TRANSITION FROM INSTITUTIONAL CARE TO INDEPENDENT LIFE

Summary/Abstract: The present study analyzes the process of deinstitutionalization, as a transition stage in the life of youngsters who leave care system after turning eighteen. They are a vulnerable population at risk of social and professional exclusion, mainly due to lack of supporting services following their exit. The objective of this study is to introduce a few changes which have taken place within the child protection system, and also a few strategies for guiding and supporting this category, so as to include and integrate them into society and into the labour market. Also, to stress a social worker′s role as a community facilitator in increasing the youth chances to adjust to independent life. Thus, after the 1990′s, during the political and economic transition stage, significant changes have occurred in the provision of services to children and teenagers placed in state care. Placements have been restructured, more complex services have been added, child care professionals have been trained, social care standards have been redefined, legal frameworks and administrative structures have been properly adjusted.

• Details
• Contents