A proposed model for the integration into society of adolescent girls leaving residential care : a youth work perspective

Abstract

This dissertation takes a look at youth work and the advantages of youth work when carried out with adolescents during aftercare. After researching into the provisions available for adolescent girls leaving residential care, it was concluded that no defined structures exist for these adolescents to be integrated into society as independent citizens. Since I believe that all young people should have equal opportunities in life, I feel it is unjust that people coming from residential homes meet far more hardship on their road to independence than their counterparts from normal family homes. Primary research was mainly made by compiling seven case studies. Foreign literature researched was mainly of British origin due to the similarity between the Maltese and British policy systems. An outline of local present day policies is given and finally, concrete propositions are put forward as to how to improve the situation by the introduction of this proposed model.