An integrated transition strategy to address socioeconomic challenges faced by youths who have left residential care institutions with particular focus on Matthew Rusike Children’s Home.

Author
Muwani, Shylet
Title
An integrated transition strategy to address socioeconomic challenges faced by youths who have left residential care institutions with particular focus on Matthew Rusike Children’s Home.
Abstract
Youth transitioning out of residential care institutions face a range of socio-economic challenges, including unemployment, housing instability, limited access to education, and lack of social support. These barriers often hinder their ability to achieve a stable and independent adult life. This study aimed at developing an Integrated Transition Strategy to address these challenges by exploring the lived experiences of care leavers and the study was guided by the Ecological Systems Theory that emphasize the interconnectedness of the systems and malfunctioning of one system gets the whole system affected. Utilizing a qualitative research methodology, the study employed in-depth interviews with 6 key informants and 10 youth who have exited residential care to gain a deeper understanding of their socio-economic realities and use purposive sampling method which is a non-probability sampling technique to select participants. In total the participants were 16 and the researcher used narrative research design to gain insights in the socio- economic challenges faced by youths. The study had three main objectives which are to explore the socio-economic challenges faced by youth who have left residential care institutions, to identify the coping strategies employed by these young people in navigating life after care, and to propose an Integrated Transition Strategy that can effectively support their transition into adulthood. From the findings the youths indicated a lot of challenges that they are facing. Some of the mentioned challenges are financial difficulties, employment challenges, accommodation and housing challenges, educational challenges, health challenges, limited skills and poor adjustment. They also indicated that they are resorting to coping strategies that are harmful like substance use, prostitution, and marriage of necessity among others. These youths also indicated that if the following measures are done, they can assist in solving the socio- economic challenges they are facing which are financial support, continued halfway houses, general exposure, educational support, job creation and policy reforms. Therefore, findings underscore the need for a multi-sectoral and collaborative approach involving government (policy makers), non-governmental organizations, and community stakeholders. The proposed strategy emphasizes life skills development, psychosocial support, access to education and training, sustainable employment opportunities, and long-term mentorship. This approach aims to enhance resilience, promote social inclusion, and improve long-term outcomes for youth transitioning out of care.
Date
June 2025
Publisher
BUSE
Keywords
Socioeconomic Challenges
Residential Care Institutions
Integrated Transition Strategy
Supervisor
Dr. G. Chikono
Item sets
Department of Social Work
Media
Muwani, Shylet.pdf

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