Life course health and mental health of care leavers after age 30 : a scoping review

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Keller, Amanda and Lee, Yunung and Tummon, Nikki and Mackenzie, Michael (2026) Life course health and mental health of care leavers after age 30 : a scoping review. Scottish Journal of Residential Child Care, 25 (1). pp. 10-32. ISSN 1478-1840 (https://doi.org/10.17868/strath.00096116)

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Abstract

Foster care outcome research provides critical insights into the impacts and efficacy of child welfare interventions as well as the developmental needs of those who experience placement. As the outcome literature to date has predominantly focused on children and transition-age youth, the later life course of care leavers has not been thoroughly explored. Using Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) scoping review framework, we examined 29 articles addressing health and mental health outcomes among care leavers. Across the life course, individuals with care experience exhibit a higher prevalence of both mental (28/29 articles) and physical (12/29 articles) health issues. However, most of the studies conflate care-experienced adults with care leavers, limiting our understanding of those who age out of the system. This review identifies key gaps - particularly in physical health research and how we conceptualise wellness. It subsequently offers directions for future exploration.

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