Everyday life and challenges for 15-year-olds in care - part ii

SFI's longitudinal study of children in care deals with one the most vulnerable parts of the Danish child population; all children born in 1995 who are or have been placed in care away from their home.
SFI follows-up on the children every four years; they are now 15 years old. This report analyses a number of dimensions that are important with regard to understanding the everyday life and overall life situation of the 15-year-olds in care: The course of and reason for their placement, their relationships and networks, the significance of ethnicity, health and finally possible abuse suffered by the child.
The 15-year-olds in care struggle with several challenges such as repeated placements, no contact to siblings and grandparents, poor health, smoking, significant cannabis use, as well as being victims of abuse and bullying.
Overall, this report focuses on how youths in care experience the placement system, and whether they have the necessary contact to their surroundings that will ensure their everyday wellbeing. Thus, the report includes substantial and detailed information about the 15-year-olds’ placement, everyday lives and the challenges they face.
The report follows up the previous SFI report about 15-year-olds in care (Lausten m.fl., 2013).