The Leaving Care and Youth Empowerment Group is a key initiative within FICE International, created in response to youth voices from various congresses, including Sarajevo (2006) and Vienna (2016). It addresses the challenges faced by young people transitioning out of residential and non-residential care systems into independent adulthood, which has been recognized globally as an under-supported area.

The group focuses on providing a platform for FICE members and organizations to share experiences, innovations, and legislation related to supporting care leavers. The group acknowledges that care leavers often face inadequate preparation for independent living and aims to tackle this by facilitating knowledge exchange across national, regional, and international levels.

Core Goals:

• Sharing and Learning: Promoting innovative models, best practices, and legislative frameworks that support youth leaving care.

• Youth Empowerment: Enhancing support for care leavers by involving them in decision-making processes and advocacy efforts.

• International Collaboration: Facilitating global exchanges on legal standards and the practical implementation of leaving care policies.

The group also collaborates with international care leavers’ associations, advocates for policy reforms, and uses platforms like International Care Leavers Week for raising awareness. Moving forward, the bundle aims to strengthen partnerships with research institutes and enhance its leadership and membership to ensure sustained focus on empowering youth after care.

Leadership:

The Leaving Care and Youth Empowerment Group is coordinated by Donald Nghonyama from South Africa and Manuel Ramos from Spain.