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Young People in, and Transitioning from, Out-of-home Care and their Mental Health Issues: A Call for Evidence

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 December 2014

Susan Baidawi ,
Philip Mendes  and
Pamela C. Snow
Susan Baidawi
Affiliation:
Social Inclusion and Social Policy Research Unit, Department of Social Work, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
Philip Mendes*
Affiliation:
Social Inclusion and Social Policy Research Unit, Department of Social Work, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
Pamela C. Snow
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry & School of Rural Health, Faculty of Nursing, Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
*
address for correspondence: Philip Mendes, Social Inclusion and Social Policy Research Unit, Department of Social Work, Monash University, PO Box 197, Caulfield East, Victoria, Australia. E-mail: philip.mendes@monash.edu
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Abstract

Young people leaving state out-of-home care are among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable young Australians, and a substantial proportion experience mental health issues. This article reviews the literature relating to the mental health of care leavers, highlighting the gaps in the current Australian research base. Available studies indicate that mental health issues may worsen during the transition from care, yet mental and emotional health may also be neglected during this stressful period. Furthermore, care leavers with mental health issues are highly vulnerable to poor post-care outcomes, particularly homelessness. Implications for policy and research are discussed.

Keywords

leaving careout-of-home caremental healthpolicypractice
Type
Articles
Information
Children Australia , Volume 39 , Issue 4: ATTACHMENT AND TRAUMA INFORMED PRACTICE , December 2014 , pp. 200 - 205
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 2014 

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