Assets and pathways in achieving future goals of residential care alumni

Thinking about and planning for the future are crucial in emerging adulthood. The goal of this study was to explore the assets and pathways in pursuing the future goals of 25 care leavers in Israel. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes including the young adults' professional figures, informal network and personal characteristics. The findings indicate that care leavers utilize their reliance on themselves in order to move towards their goals. In addition, their parents' struggles in life are perceived as a motivator in seeking a better future for themselves. The discussion addresses the role of formal and informal figures in care leavers' transition to adulthood and the importance of allowing them to receive the support of familiar professionals in order to build connections and introduce them to new opportunities.