Challenges faced by youth leaving foster care

IN SOUTH AFRICA, a child can be placed in foster care until they turn 18 years old, with the possibility of extensions until the age of 21 if certain conditions are met, under section 180 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005.

- OLUTHANDO KETEYI

Many factors land a child in a situation where they are no longer in their birth parents’ care and are homeless or are in foster care - a child of the system.

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) demographic analysis indicates that the homeless population comprises approximately 7% children (0-17 years) and 44% youth (15-34 years).

Although youths face different hurdles in their transition to adulthood, those in child and youth care centres experience significant challenges resulting from their past experiences of harm, neglect, abuse and separation from parents.

Youth transitioning out of foster care who do not live with relatives often face greater difficulties compared to other young people.

Many have no financial, adult or any other support required to transition successfully to adulthood. Receiving little to no preparatory services from social workers for their transition to adulthood

The next step often becomes a stumbling block, for youth trying to figure out how to independently function.