Are Children and Young People in the Residential Social Protection System Prepared for an Independent Life?

The present paper aims to present the results of a qualitative study in which the experiences of ten young people after a period in which they were cared for and protected in a residential placement centre in Romania regarding the activities carried out in order to acquire independent life skills during institutionalization were documented through semi-structured interview, direct observation and document analysis. The findings of the study show that the young participants in the study acquired the skills necessary for an independent life in different ways, depending on their subjective experiences, managing various challenges related to finding a job and housing or ensuring daily living after leaving the residential centre. The results reveal the need to offer services during the protection period in accordance with the needs specific to each individual, but also the need for an emotional relationship between centre staff and beneficiaries, relying on open communication, mutual respect and trust.


Keywords: independent living skills, institutionalized young people, post-institutionalization, placement centre, residential centre, social integration, Romania