Transition to independence among young people with experience of alternative care: A qualitative insight into social exclusion and the transition to adulthood

Abstract

Introduction. Social exclusion of young people represents a complex andmultidimensional process that particularly affects those with experience of alternative care. During the transition to adulthood, these young people face cumulative educational, economic, and psychosocial challenges that may limit their developmental and participatory opportunities. Objective. The aim of this study was to analytically explore the experiences, perceptions, and needs of young people at risk of social exclusion in the domains of personal development, education, employability, and civic participation from their own perspective. Method. The study was conducted using a qualitative, exploratory research design. Data were collected through one focus group discussion with ten young people aged 15 to 25 with experience of alternative care, complemented by an individual interview. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results. The findings indicate that financial instability is a central cross-cutting theme influencing various aspects of participants' lives. Key challenges were identified in relation to personal development and psychosocial functioning, disruptions in education, uncertain transitions to employment, and low levels of trust in institutional forms of civic participation. At the same time, participants' narratives revealed self-reliance strategies which, although enabling functioning in adverse conditions, may also have limiting effects by constraining help-seeking and reliance on external support. Conclusion. The findings highlight the importance of integrated, flexible, and participatory approaches in working with youth at risk of social exclusion, which both recognize young people's capacities and address the structural constraints shaping their life circumstances. The contribution of this study lies in providing empirically grounded insights into young people's experiences from their own perspective.