We Can Do It and So Can Our Future Care Leavers! Care Leavers at University

Abstract

Given the general lack of attention paid to the education of children in state care, and low expectations of them, it is widely accepted that we are unique, two former foster kids with the highest level of academic degrees, doctorates. In this chapter we explore our journeys to and through university and doctoral studies, with attention to our similarities as outliers and differences across time. We also draw into our conversation the experiences of other care leavers who have gone to university and care leavers we have encountered through our research into this topic. We conclude that care leavers can and do complete university degrees and every child in state care should be afforded this opportunity.