Research report reveals groundbreaking data about the lives of young people in care in Quebec
montreal and quebec city, April 19, 2024 /CNW/ – Every year quebec, more than 2,000 young people leave the care of the Director of Youth Protection (DYP) as they approach the age of majority.For young people Under the control of DYP, turning 18 means having to quickly become independent with little or no support from loved ones. Their educational attainment also tends to be lower than that of their contemporaries who have not had to face such situations.
These numbers demonstrate that only 37% of young people in care have a high school diploma by age 21, compared to 86% of the general population at the same age. . Its graduation rate is 1 in 2.5.
Today, the Quebec Educational Research Board (CRJ) is announcing the results of a groundbreaking study conducted under Maria's leadership. Eugenia Longo, Professor at the National Institute of Scientific Research (INRS). Martin Goyette, Professor at the National School of Public Administration (ENAP). Marie Dumolard, professor at the University of Montreal.This research was supported by Mélissa Ziani (INRS) and josian pickard (Enapp). The title of the report is Portrait of the Service for the Protection of Youth and Employees (“Portrait of young people in youth protection services and their employment challenges”).
The report submitted by the team reveals a more difficult and precarious path to autonomy for this category. quebec young people. The study is based on quantitative data collected from 1,136 youth employed under the supervision of youth protection services, as well as original data collected through interviews with 30 youth.
This work was commissioned and funded by the Quebec Ministry of Employment and Social Solidarity. It draws on quantitative data from the Étude longitudinale sur le devenir des jeunes places (EDJeP, 'Longitudinal study of the fate of young people in care') and accounts of young people in this situation who were interviewed for the study. It's a combination.
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A third of young people in EDJeP are “not in employment, education or training” (NEET) at the age of 21, compared to less than 10% of the general population at the same age.
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Providing a variety of tools and services that are better suited to specific times in life will help students successfully complete their studies more consistently.
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For EDJeP youth, employment is highly precarious, nonrecoverable, and precarious. Most of them work in low-skilled jobs in fields such as retail, sales, and food services, where wages are low and there are few protections.
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EDJeP youth without a high school diploma are 5.3 times more likely to fall into the NEET category.
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The more unstable the housing situation (housing instability or homelessness) and the longer the instability, the more likely participants were to fall into the NEET category.
Link to report
Furthermore, the research team's findings showed that EDJeP youth who were successful in obtaining a qualified post-secondary education were more likely to be employed in a professional and skilled job by age 21.
respect, dignity and autonomy
Extensive research has found that providing humane, empathetic, flexible and personalized services is essential, especially for young people. Some may be reluctant to rely on employing organizations, given that their experience in social services, particularly youth protection services, has not necessarily been positive for their autonomy, well-being and progress.
“The employment difficulties faced by these young people reveal systemic deficiencies that result in significant disadvantage and social inequalities. To properly support them, we must improve their situation. , it is important to address their needs in terms of strengthening their autonomy and working on access to available resources.'' This is done in partnership with employers, who play a key role in the solution. must be done. ” – Maria Eugenia Longoprofessor and researcher in the sociology of labor and youth at the INRS and co-holder of the Quebec Educational Research Board.
The researchers' analysis showed that feeling encouraged was directly correlated with achieving higher levels of education. Young people interviewed said in their testimonies that social connections both inside and outside the workplace (particularly with employers) are key to choosing jobs and support services, and deciding whether to stay or leave. Having someone to rely on seems to play an important role in young people's job hunting.
“Our research shows that young people want to feel welcome and heard, and above all, that their needs, aspirations, agency and dignity are respected. Working with young people Advancing research provides opportunities for partners and decision-makers to improve and adapt services and policies.” — Martin Goyette, ENAP Professor and Co-Holder of the Quebec Education Research Board.
Report recommendations
Among other things, the researchers concluded that unstable living conditions can affect young people's academic and early career paths. Changes in placement within youth protective services have a direct impact on employment retention. Young people consulted for this study said they had been forced to quit their jobs due to changes in their placements. This often happens at school as well.
Taken together, these findings highlight the strong relationship between employment status and challenges in various areas of life, including NEET status, gender, childcare, housing status, health, and work experience. I'm doing it. These demonstrate the importance of measures that take a global, multisectoral, integrative and stabilizing approach to supporting young people in youth care.
The report suggests solutions, including helping young people stay in school and start on career paths. A global and cross-cutting stabilization approach. Better preparation for adult life. It is also recommended that young people be given more support once they reach the age of majority.
“Employment is directly linked to other areas of young people's lives, such as health, housing and childcare, all of which have a direct impact on work integration and retention.Supporting the careers of young people in care cannot be achieved without a variety of efforts.'' Consider this interaction. ” — Marie Dumolard, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, University of Montreal
More broadly, the needs of young people in care are likely to be more or less similar to the needs of other young people in care. quebec. However, given the lack of obvious family support and the mounting challenges to overcome, organizational and workplace support must go even further to provide equal and fair opportunities for these tomorrow's adults. efforts must be made.
For more information, please visit CRJ's virtual lunchtime conference “Les jeunes ayant été places sous les services de la protection de la jeunesse et leurs défis en emploi” (“Young people in youth protection services and their employment”). ”) is recommended. Challenge”) Friday, April 19th at noon.To participate: Register
Source National Institute of Scientific Research (INRS)
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