2018 Volume 18 Pages 54-67
The purpose of this paper was to examine the independent living status, specifically the employment status, of youth discharged from residential children’s homes and residential treatment facilities for children in Aichi Prefecture. The study analyzed the results of a survey, focusing on two points: (1) whether discharged youth hold regular employment positions; and (2) whether they continue with their first job placement. Results showed that (1) participation in institution sponsored activities that encourage a youth’s mental and physical growth and development, as well as the acquisition of job related qualifications, had a positive effect on their level of independence; and (2) that the youth’s psychological characteristics, including developmental disorders and abuse experiences, negatively affected their level of independence. Furthermore, the results found that providing aftercare for youth with a history of delinquency before discharge was very difficult. Future issues to be addressed include, enhancing therapeutic support for youth in residential facilities, carrying out planned and continuous independent living support, and clarifying the professional responsible for implementing a youth’s independent living support program.
