"I'm going to get out of here, it is time to survive on my own" experiences of residential programs’ care leavers in their transition to independent living

Abstract

In Chile, young people in residential programs run by the National Minors’ Service (SENAME) face egress as soon as they reach legal age. In this process, these young people face a series of challenges, as they find themselves in the context of the ceasing of support from the government and limited support networks. This study sought to explore and describe the experiences of transition to independent life and egress due to legal age, from the perspective of leavers' participation in the process. The participants were five residential program leavers from different boroughs of Santiago, whose ages ranged between 18 and 21. The methodology used to analyse the data was Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and the main findings were that the process of egress was perceived by interviewees as abrupt, hasty, and lonely, noting a lack of robust support networks and scarce meaningful bonds. An absence of preparation for independent life by residential program staff was noted, as well as a scarce participation and impact regarding decisions related to these young people’s future. Interviewees qualified egress as a signifier of greater freedom, nevertheless they experienced some anxiety related to self-sufficiency. Leavers highlighted their autonomy and resilience in this adverse context.