Care leavers and the criminal justice system: The role of support systems during transition
A paper - Care leavers and the criminal justice system: The role of support systems during transition - by REPPP and Stable Lives Safer Streets Hub member, Kylie Gill, has been published in Child and Youth Services Review.
Young people leaving out-of-home care often face a difficult transition to adulthood and may experience limited support and poorer outcomes than their peers. One area of concern is their overrepresentation in the criminal justice system, raising questions about how far support during this period can help reduce these risks. This rapid evidence review examines the support systems available to young people transitioning from out-of-home care and considers how access to support during transition relates to contact with the criminal justice system. The findings highlight the importance of supportive relationships, early preparation, and emotional support in promoting successful transitions, while also identifying barriers related to inadequate support and challenges in accessing resources. The review concludes that gaps in support may increase the likelihood of criminal justice involvement, highlighting the need for tailored interventions.
Kylie presented a poster on her research paper at the What Constitutes Quality in Residential Care: Measuring What Matters to Children and their Families Summit at the University of Sussex.
The summit took place on the 15th-16th September 2026 in partnership with the Association of Children's Residential & Community Services (ACRC) and the International Work Group on Therapeutic Residential Care. It was attended by 160 delegates from 23 countries.
The study was funded by the Higher Education Authority as part of the North South Research Programme.
