ERIC Number: ED629353
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Life beyond Foster Care: Transitional Tools to Support Youth with Disabilities into Adulthood
Maseko, Nonhlanhla
Bulgarian Comparative Education Society, Paper presented at the Annual International Conference of the Bulgarian Comparative Education Society (BCES) (21st, Sofia, Bulgaria, Jun 2023)
This paper investigates the transition planning for youth with disabilities living in foster care. Statutory regulations in South Africa contend that foster care lapses when young people reach the age of 18. It is however not certain how many of them are ready to navigate into an adult and independent lifestyle. This paper is concerned with the question on: "How is the transition for youth with disabilities facilitated towards adulthood?" Two foster homes catering for orphans, abused and children with disabilities were purposefully selected. Semi structured interviews were conducted with six caregivers. Findings revealed that there was no planning in place for these youth who are about to exit the foster care. Furthermore, these youths are not even aware that they will have to live independently after the age of 18 years. In conclusion, this paper suggests collaboration among the multi stakeholders, policymakers, and practitioners at all levels to best prepare youth with disabilities aging out of foster care for life beyond care and what lies ahead of them. A supportive environment can provide the tools and resources that youth with disabilities need as they prepare for their transition 'journey' and to make a smooth landing at their destination of choice. [For the complete Volume 21 proceedings, see ED629259.]
Descriptors: Foster Care, Students with Disabilities, Transitional Programs, Foreign Countries, Caregiver Attitudes, Cooperation
Bulgarian Comparative Education Society. Blvd Shipchenski prohod 69 A, 1574 Sofia, Bulgaria. e-mail: info@bces-conference.org; Web site: http://www.bces-conference.org
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: South Africa
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A