Children in care on the path to an independent life -

This book deals with adolescents and young adults in care who are being prepared for an independent life, as a return to their own families is not an option for them. The focus is on residential youth care, and the book aims to outline the role this plays in facilitating a successful transition to independence. In this regard, the first part sets out the theoretical foundations deemed important for a closer examination of the topic. It addresses the conditions of growing up in today’s society and their impact on young people; the understanding of independence in the practice of residential youth care and educational support; and the prerequisites that make the development of independence possible in the first place. The theoretical chapter concludes with a characterisation of the children and young people living in residential care. The practical section then analyses the specific contribution of residential youth care to fostering independence and to shaping the transition to independent living.