Article type: Original Research
1 December 2014
Volume 39 Issue 4
Article type: Original Research
1 December 2014
Volume 39 Issue 4
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Young People in, and Transitioning from, Out-of-home Care and their Mental Health Issues: A Call for Evidence
Susan Baidawi1
Philip Mendes1 * 
Pamela C. Snow2
Affiliations
1 Social Inclusion and Social Policy Research Unit, Department of Social Work, Melbourne, Monash University, Australia
2 Department of Psychiatry & School of Rural Health, Faculty of Nursing, Medicine and Health Sciences, Melbourne, Monash University, Australia
Correspondence
*Prof Philip Mendes
Contributions
Susan Baidawi -
Philip Mendes -
Pamela C. Snow -
Susan Baidawi1
Philip Mendes1 *
Pamela C. Snow2
Affiliations
1 Social Inclusion and Social Policy Research Unit, Department of Social Work, Melbourne, Monash University, Australia
2 Department of Psychiatry & School of Rural Health, Faculty of Nursing, Medicine and Health Sciences, Melbourne, Monash University, Australia
Correspondence
*Prof Philip Mendes
Part of Special Series: Attachment and Trauma Informed Practice
CITATION: Baidawi S., Mendes P., & Snow P.C. (2014). Young People in, and Transitioning from, Out-of-home Care and their Mental Health Issues: A Call for Evidence. Children Australia, 39(4), 1932. doi.org/10.1017/cha.2014.27
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.