The role of informal leaving care peer support networks in Romania

Abstract

Drawing on research from Romania, this chapter discusses the role of informal support for young people leaving care, in particular, support from other care leavers. Two conceptual models frame the discussion, one emphasizing the importance for leaving care of process, and the other of social ecology. In the Romanian research, relationships between care leavers played a key role in offering instrumental support and some sense of security and belonging to the young people as they tackled the difficulties of life after care. Such support could, however, also perpetuate negative behaviours and a ‘care identity’ that holds care leavers back from ‘moving on’. The chapter calls for greater attention to be paid to informal support in general, and care leavers support for one another in particular, within leaving care research, policy and practice.