What happens after care? Investigating the post-care housing pathways and experiences of adult care leavers in Ireland

Abstract

Accessing suitable and secure housing is central to the process of leaving out-of-home care, yet existing literature highlights the risk of many care leavers experiencing housing instability and homelessness when they exit care. This paper reports findings of a small-scale qualitative study exploring the post-care housing pathways and experiences of adult care leavers in Ireland. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five care leavers, aged 24–35, in Ireland and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings illustrate the varied nature of the housing pathways of this small sample group. While some participants experienced housing instability upon leaving care, others experienced housing stability. The findings highlight the importance of informal supports in shaping housing experiences and the relevance of housing experiences in relation to other domains of life such as education, employment, and relationships.