The emancipation of young people in child protection centres: The professional perspective

Abstract

This article analyses the transition to adult life of the unaccompanied minors in care in the Spanish child protection system. From a qualitative approach, we use the semi-structured interview as a research technique. Thirty interviews were conducted with professionals working in child protection centres in eastern Andalusia. The professionals reveal the differences between the expectations of the minors who start their migratory journey and the reality of their experiences in the protection centres and the high level of social risk that the transition to adulthood implies.