Challenges in the transition of care leavers to adulthood in Spain: perception of experts

Purpose Transition to adulthood is a challenging process for young people in care and care leavers. These challenges arise before reaching the age of majority and continue into the years that follow. This study aims to find out the perception of experts from the professional and university fields on the challenges identified in the project “Analysis, evaluation and improvement of the processes of intervention for the emancipation of young people in difficulty and/or at risk” carried out in Spain. Design/methodology/approach A total of 27 experts participated in this mixed research, completing the ad hoc survey of eight Likert-type items and open questions. Findings The findings show that the experts had a very high degree of agreement about the challenges in the process of transition to adulthood of care leavers in Spain identified in the project. Specifically, reference is made to the problems of socio-occupational integration, the importance of family support, the positive impact of the network of formal and informal support and the improvement and increase of support systems after the age of majority. Practical implications Finally, it is highlighted as a fundamental challenge that regulations should adapt to the individual and specific circumstances of this group. Originality/value This paper presents the perceptions of experts involved in the reality of young people in residential care. The research shows the opinions of university researchers, direct care professionals and administrative technicians regarding the conclusions of the project.