Longitudinal outcomes of employment, income and housing for Flemish care leavers

Care leavers are more often unemployed, have lower annual earnings and live in inferior housing circumstances than their peers in the general population. International research has extensively studied and discussed these outcomes. However, in Flanders (the Dutch speaking part of Belgium), no previous quantitative studies are known. This study therefore explores and predicts outcomes on employment, income and housing circumstances of care leavers in Flanders and investigates if these outcomes improve in the years after leaving care. Associations with placement factors are explored to support recommendations to the clinical field. The current study involves 175 care-leavers (both family foster care (n = 105) and residential care (n = 70)). Data was collected using a self-reporting questionnaire touching multiple domains. The participants of the study (49 male, 126 female) are between 18 and 27 years old. Care leavers are employed at younger ages but are also more often unemployed than their peers from the general population, they earn significantly less than peers and are more often homeless. On all domains, no significant differences were found between foster- and residential care leavers. Placement characteristics are more declaratory than only the type of care. In the current study, most outcomes improve during the years after leaving care, this supports the theory of emerging adulthood. Although we cannot infer causal effects, care leavers who experienced fewer placement changes and received individual therapy during their time in care tend to have better outcomes in the current study. The same applies for care leavers who were prepared for leaving care and supported after leaving care. Policy makers should focus on increased support regarding breakdown prevention and individual mental health support during the time in care. Preparation for placement ending and aftercare should be provided.