Between support and independence
Millions of children and young people around the world are fleeing their homes. Some of them arrive in the Netherlands without parents or guardians. These unaccompanied refugee adolescents often have to become self-sufficient quickly. Around their 18th birthday, guardianship ends, and they must take on greater responsibility for housing, income, education, and healthcare. Although support remains available, this transition can be challenging. In this dissertation, the development and experiences during the transition to adulthood are examined, as well as the factors that contribute to their well-being.For this study, unaccompanied refugee adolescents were followed over several years to examine their development and experiences. In addition, focus groups were conducted with professionals to explore their experiences. The results show that many young people are resilient and develop positively. On average, their self-sufficiency, resilience, and social and community functioning improve during the transition to adulthood. At the same time, there are substantial differences between individuals. While some continue to develop positively, others struggle with setbacks. Nearly all young people face challenges, such as language barriers, complex regulations and limited social networks. Young people and professionals emphasize the importance of timely preparation for the transition, clear information, and continuity of support. The many changes surrounding the 18th birthday can be overwhelming. Young people who were prepared step by step felt better equipped for independence. A key finding is that self-reliance does not appear to be linked to mental health; resilience appears to be a more important predictor for mental health. A successful transition to adulthood therefore requires more than independence alone: resilience, appropriate support, and a gradual transition are essential.