show that young people have a strikingly small number of connections, which are mainly centred around their care organisations. Young females interact less with age mates and people from the local community than males, due to more restrictive rules and regulations vis à vis young females. In terms of wellbeing, there is a difference in experiences between FSP youth and young people who are not living with their families; FSP youth do not experience disruptive transitions away from their families and are likely to stay at home later. As such, issues of identity may not be such a problem for FSP youth. From the perspective of the local community, whereas FSP youth are living in the community, there is limited interaction and opportunity to get to know young people living in care organisations. This does not help to counter possible negative images, that may or may not be related to negative incidences in the past, or to counter prejudice with regards to youth from care. Subjective wellbeing Whilst in care, youth across countries mention their voice and opinion in decisions about their care plan, their transitions through care, pursuing education, or engagement with their biological family, is not sought by caregivers or staff. This is not only frustrating to children and young people who are in an identity formation period of their life, but also undermines their empowerment and ability to make decisions on their own. Despite the observation at the beginning, that 27.6% of youth feel socially excluded because of their care background, a vast majority of SOS-supported youth feel grateful for the life opportunities they think they would otherwise not have had. They show appreciation for the good education and nurturing environment. For those reasons, we came across many young people who “want to give something back” to the care organisation, and/or to children and young people facing similar challenges in life.
Young care leavers perceive financial barriers as the biggest constraint to achieve their aims in life. The multiple transitions in care are causal to feelings of disconnection; for FBC youth more so than FSP youth. Young people express the need to have more voice in important decisions. They are also eager to “give something back”.
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