DISCUSSION

In the presented case studies, within the life stories there were crucial moments. These moments represent a significant change in the expected life course-positive turning points (Gilligan, 2009).

The events did not take place in an isolated moment -but instead had clear antecedents and also clear follow-ups:1. A significant event is happening and creates an opportunity for change in the life course. 2. This opportunity is connected to a biographical learning process of the person himself.3. This opportunity is accompanied and prepared for with the help of significant others.4. Ongoing personal support after the opportunity and biographical learning process is important to convert a turning point into a lasting

change. Therefore, we prefer to speak of Turning Point Processes (Berglund, 2007).

Introduction

Care leavers and higher educationA particular challenge for care leavers is acquiring higher education. Compared to their peers, young people who grew up in out-of-home care have lower high-school achievements. However, against all odds, a small number of care leavers succeed in entering higher education institutions. Existing research on high achieving care leavers shows that their preliminary conditions (e.g. family background, traumatic experiences) do not differ from those of other children and youth in care. Therefore, efforts are made to identify factors that can explain the educational outcome of youths in out-of-home care.

Turning point We hypothesized that turning points in the biographical stories of care leavers can explain the educational outcome in the lives of those who have become engaged in higher education. Turning points are seen as a positive departure from the expected life course. It is a radical change of a person´s life plan and life perspectives (Gilligan, 2009).

Method

Biographical researchBiographical interviews with care leavers in higher education

Sample 28 biographical interviews were conducted with young care leavers in higher education (17 from Germany and 11 from Israel).

Data analysis1.Sequential analyses (analyzing line by line and word by word) 2.Grounded theory methodology

Research Goals

1. Check the concept of turning point (processes) to better understand the path of care leavers into higher education.

2. Explore the underlying characteristics or components that are able to generate turning point processes.

Literature:Education and Care:Jackson & Cameron, 2010; Martin & Jackson 2002; Schiff & Benbenishty, 2006Turning Point: Berglund, 2007; Elder, 1999; Gilligan, 2009; Laub & Sampson, 2003Research methods:Glaser & Strauss, 1967; Schütze, 1983

Implications for practice

The importance of creating opportunities for positive changes for young people in care.

The need for ongoing support to preserve the effects of these positive changes.

Case Studies

Paul:Identified Turning Point: Moving into youth shelterDimensions of the turning point:1. The move into the group home appears to be a significant event in his life.2. To get to this point he needed help from others (“well I always was surrounded by people who supported me ”)3. This significant event in his life was also related to internal transitions, from a passive to an active person.4. The support offered by the group home staff and

his elementary school teacher helped him deal with the new challenges.

Michael:Identified Turning Point: „Leaving“ Residential Care–Participating in a Regular Swimming CourseDimensions of the Turning Point:1. Participating in a swimming course outside the

residential care facility was a significant event in that it exposed him to 'regular' children.2. His reaction revealed his own agency (“I grabbed a few people, caretakers in the facility … so I learned to read and write at the age of

twelve”)3. His change (from illiterate child to a literate one) was supported and accompanied by others before and after the encounters with children

out of care

Benjamin Strahl, Institute for Social Pedagogy and Organization Studies, University of HildesheimTehila Refaeli, School of Social Work, Bar-Ilan University