The Odd Year: Experiences of Care Leavers in the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to describe how young care leavers conceptualize their subjective sense of wellbeing, as a lived experience during the “Odd Year” which refers to the first year of the COVID-19 Pandemic—from 2020 to 2021. Qualitative data from seven young people's open discussions by using the Time Out Method and essays. Principles of Joint Research were used. Fattorés theory of children and young people's subjective well-being as well as Eskelineńs (2020) themes of social philosophy during a disaster were employed in the analysis. The Odd Year's effect was to restrict agency relating to study and employment but simultaneously highlight moral agency. The downscaling of services created a sense of uncertainty. Background in Foster Care strengthened the sense of resilience and agency for some. The transformative resilience of society can be strengthened by peer support and by utilizing digital services in social work.