Transition to adulthood for young people leaving state care: The impact of the emancipation network on their autonomy and well-being

This study explores the perceptions of young people who were under state care and participated in housing resources within the Emancipation Network in the province of Valencia (Spain), a government support program aimed at facilitating their autonomy and social inclusion, especially those of migrant youth who arrived in Spain as unaccompanied minors. Through semi-structured interviews conducted with 27 participants, the research analysed their perceptions of the transition to adulthood related to education and employment, housing access, emotional state, legal and administrative status, and participation in community support networks. The findings reveal that while young people value the support received through the program, they face significant barriers, such as a lack of sustainable job opportunities, difficulties in accessing adequate housing, and the emotional impact of the migration process in many cases. Moreover, the study identified that the intervention of professionals and freely chosen support networks are key elements in promoting their emotional well-being and social integration. The study concludes that such programs, in which educational relationships grounded in emotional bonds between professionals and young people play a crucial role in building a solid foundation for autonomy, are of vital importance. However, it also underscores the need for public policies that promote social justice by addressing educational, labour, housing, and emotional dimensions comprehensively. These findings offer new perspectives for improving programs and strategies aimed at care leavers in vulnerable contexts.