Educational trajectories of care leavers in Catalonia: associated factors and post-care supports
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7179/PSRI_2026.48.03Keywords:
Care leavers, educational trajectories, transition to adulthood, transition supports, post-compulsory educationAbstract
This study examines the educational trajectories of 161 care leavers in Catalonia three years after exiting the child protection system. Using structured interviews, we analyze their educational attainment, continuity in education, and the individual and contextual factors that influence their academic progression. Variables considered include migration background, gender, type of placement, age at entry into care, stability of placements, and, specifically, the impact of access to transition support programs: the housing support program and the financial allowance for care leavers. The results reveal substantial heterogeneity. A total of 44% had accessed post-compulsory education, while 36.3% had not completed compulsory secondary education. Educational continuity was low (36%), and university attendance was limited, with 2.1% among unaccompanied migrant youth (UMY) and 8.2% among non-UMY. Differences by origin were significant: UMY showed lower levels of educational attainment, lower continuity, and less access to support. Among non-UMY girls demonstrated higher continuity than boys, and those who experienced family foster care achieved higher educational levels than those who lived in residential care. Among non-migrant youth, age at entry into care and placement stability were positively associated with educational attainment. Access to the financial allowance predicted better outcomes among girls and among young people who had been in residential care. In the case of migrant youth, participation in the housing support program was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of being enrolled in education. The findings highlight the need to strengthen public policies that ensure sustained and individualized support after leaving care, including educational guidance, financial support, and residential resources that facilitate continuity in education.
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