Challenges Faced by Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care in South Africa

Youth transitioning out of foster care in South Africa face numerous challenges in their transition to adulthood, including homelessness, unemployment, and lack of financial, adult, and social support. According to Statistics South Africa, the homeless population comprises approximately 7% children (0-17 years) and 44% youth (15-34 years). The lack of preparatory services from social workers for their transition to adulthood leaves many youth struggling to independently function, with limited skills in managing finances, finding housing, and accessing healthcare. Studies have shown that many youths transitioning out of the system do not have permanent jobs and earn incomes below the poverty line.

Key Takeaways:

• The Children’s Act 38 of 2005 stipulates that a child can be placed in foster care until they turn 18 years old, with possible extensions until the age of 21 under section 180.
• Statistics South Africa’s demographic analysis indicates that the homeless population comprises approximately 7% children (0-17 years) and 44% youth (15-34 years).
• Youth in child and youth care centres experience significant challenges resulting from their past experiences of harm, neglect, abuse, and separation from parents.
• Many foster children exit the system without financial, adult, or social support required to transition successfully to adulthood.
• Receiving little to no preparatory services from social workers for their transition to adulthood hinders their ability to independently function.
• Lack of skills in managing finances, finding housing, and accessing healthcare results in instability and homelessness among youth exiting care.
• Several NGOs, including Baphumelele Children’s Home, U-Turn, Khulisa Streetscapes, MES, and Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, are actively working to support vulnerable young people.
• The South African government’s requirement for individualised foster care plans (section 157(1)(a)(iii) of the Children’s Act) aligns with expert recommendations for individualised plans including specific, needs-based objectives, timelines, and assigned individuals responsible for implementation.

Statistics:

• 7% of the homeless population in South Africa comprise children aged 0-17 years.
• 44% of the homeless population in South Africa comprise youth aged 15-34 years.
• Many foster children exit the system without permanent jobs and earn incomes below the poverty line.

Sources:

• Bythline: Oluthando Keteyi; South Africa’s Children’s Act 38 of 2005
• Section 180, Children’s Act 38 of 2005
• Statistics South Africa demographic analysis
• Studies by Böning and Ferreira (recommendation of individualised foster care plans)
• Baphumelele Children’s Home – Fountain of Hope program
• U-Turn, Khulisa Streetscapes, and MES – Coalition to End Homelessness
• Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator