Highlights
- •First review of single- and multi-focused additional support programs in aftercare
- •Weak evidence of the effectiveness was found of the programs.
- •Holistic programs which consider care leavers needs and decision-making are needed.
- •Suggestions for the development of the programs are provided.
- •Evaluation of programs should be improved with strong study designs.
Abstract
Problem
Care leavers face many challenges during their transition to adulthood, such as educational
attainment, financial instability, housing problems and relationship problems. Various
structured programs and additional support exist to help them make this transition
and these provide help before or after they have left care. However, the outcomes
of such support programs are fragmented. The aim of this study was to synthesize the
empirical evidence of studies that evaluated additional support programs that facilitated
the transition of care leavers to adulthood.
Eligibility criteria
Six databases were searched that were published in English in peer-review journals
from 2010 to 2019. We reviewed 16 studies related to additional support programs with
different methodological designs.
Sample
Care leavers' who have left the foster care.
Results
There were two different types of programs: single-focused and multiple-focused programs.
Half of them provided holistic support. Feedback from care leavers provided practical
suggestions for the development of relationships with the staffs and peers, for the
development of programs and care leavers own involvement in decision-making. The evaluations
showed weak evidence of the effectiveness of housing, employment and educational programs.
Conclusions
The programs were poorly described and heterogenous so that the outcomes could not
be compared. It was not possible to provide robust information about their effectiveness.
Implications
We need holistic programs which consider care leavers needs and views, and evaluate
rigorously the programs by strong study designs, to determine their effectiveness.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 15, 2020
Accepted:
May 14,
2020
Received in revised form:
May 14,
2020
Received:
November 14,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
