Denmark

This chapter presents the state of aftercare support when young people leave out of home care in Denmark. To support young people leaving care is essential, as Danish research findings show that these young people have a heightened risk of living marginalized lives in comparison to their same-age peers. Young people from care in Denmark can receive aftercare support between ages of eighteen to twenty-two inclusive. Approximately sixty percent of young people leaving care receive aftercare, but often within a limited time frame. Research finds that social workers often experience difficulties assessing whom should be targeted for aftercare support, and often aftercare assessments are not completed within the required time limit. This shortcoming in municipal practice contributes to young people identifying a feeling of insecurity in relation to transitional processes and their future when turning eighteen.