Review and Recommendations for Strengthening Transitioning-from-State-Care Services for Youth in the Protection System

Research studies from a range of countries indicate that, despite differences in policies, youth who age out of state care have significant similarities in outcomes globally. These young people have difficulty finding stable and affordable housing; accessing a social network, healthcare, and supportive and safe social relationships; and engaging in education, training, and employment. The present report, focused on youth aging out of residential care and detention in Belize, aims to contribute to the growing literature on frameworks, models, programs, and best practices to address service gaps and barriers and improve outcomes for youth transitioning to post care. The report presents a diagnostic of available services to support youth in Belize to successfully transition to post-care and provides recommendations to strengthen services that improve their post-care outcomes.