School Attendance from the Perspective of Homeless Young Adults–Between Family, Youth Care and Homelessness

Abstract

Homeless young adults generally achieve low formal qualifications or none at all. This article focuses on their view on school and the significance they themselves attribute to the (non-)achievement of formal qualifications. Therefore, the influences of growing up in families and youth welfare services, the resulting instability of school attendance and the importance of school-leaving qualifications as a reintegration strategy for young people are considered. Seven Biographical-narrative interviews conducted in Germany form the empirical foundation for the research. The data was analyzed using narrative analysis.