Article type: Original Research
1 December 2014
Volume 39 Issue 4
Article type: Original Research
1 December 2014
Volume 39 Issue 4
![]()
Young People Transitioning from Out-of-home Care and Access to Higher Education: A Critical Review of the Literature
Philip Mendes1 * 
Dee Michell2
Jacqueline Z. Wilson3
Affiliations
1 Department of Social Work, East Caulfield, Monash University Caulfield Campus, Australia
2 Gender Studies and Social Analysis, North Terrace Campus, Adelaide University
3 Faculty of Education and Arts, Mt Helen Campus, Federation University
Correspondence
*Prof Philip Mendes
Contributions
Philip Mendes -
Dee Michell -
Jacqueline Z. Wilson -
Philip Mendes1 *
Dee Michell2
Jacqueline Z. Wilson3
Affiliations
1 Department of Social Work, East Caulfield, Monash University Caulfield Campus, Australia
2 Gender Studies and Social Analysis, North Terrace Campus, Adelaide University
3 Faculty of Education and Arts, Mt Helen Campus, Federation University
Correspondence
*Prof Philip Mendes
Part of Special Series: Attachment and Trauma Informed Practice
CITATION: Mendes P., Michell D., & Wilson J.Z. (2014). Young People Transitioning from Out-of-home Care and Access to Higher Education: A Critical Review of the Literature. Children Australia, 39(4), 1931. doi.org/10.1017/cha.2014.25
Abstract
Young people transitioning from out-of-home care are known to have poor educational outcomes compared to their non-care peers. Yet little is known about the experiences or needs of the small numbers of Australian care leavers who enter higher education. This article critically examines existing Australian and international research on the access of care leavers to higher education. A group of pre-care, in-care, transition from care and post-care factors are identified as either hindering or assisting care leavers to maximise their educational opportunities. Some specific policy and practice reforms are recommended to enhance opportunities for Australian care leavers to participate in and complete higher education.