How does the availability of and access to support systems during the transition from out-of-home care influence care leavers’ contact with the criminal justice system in Ireland and Northern Ireland?

Young people leaving care face unique challenges that can impact their ability to transition successfully into independent adulthood. Research shows that care leavers are overrepresented in the criminal justice system, with factors such as inadequate emotional support, unstable housing, and difficulty accessing education and employment contributing to their increased vulnerability. This study explores how access to and utilising the support systems provided by governments can influence care leavers’ outcomes and reduce their likelihood of contact with the criminal justice system.
The research objectives are to explore:

• What support systems exist for young people transitioning out of care?
• Are these support systems adequate?
• Are these support systems utilised?
• What are the barriers and enablers to accessing these systems?
• How do access to and engagement with these support systems affect care leavers’ interaction with the criminal justice system?

The study begins with a rapid literature review, exploring existing literature on care leavers’ transitions, their access/barriers to support systems, and their overrepresentation in the criminal justice system. Following this will be a comparative study examining leaving care policies and legislation in both Ireland and Northern Ireland; this will identify similarities and differences in support between the two jurisdictions. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with care-experienced young people (both with and without criminal justice involvement) and professionals working with care leavers in both jurisdictions.
This study aims to inform policy and practice by highlighting the gaps in transition support systems and identifying effective interventions to improve outcomes for care leavers.

By amplifying the voices of care leavers, it seeks to promote positive transitions, reduce justice system involvement, and strengthen multi-agency collaboration.