Potential Outcomes for Care Leavers: Applying a causal lens to assess what works to improve their human capital

Young people leaving out‑of‑home care face significantly higher risks of adverse outcomes than their peers. This thesis undertook three studies to examine whether policies and interventions for care leavers in high‑income countries improve their human capital. A systematic review and meta‑analysis of interventions found scant causal evidence supporting current approaches. A quasi‑experimental evaluation of a novel Australian intervention for care leavers found no meaningful effect on homelessness. A component network meta‑analysis of employment and skills programs revealed that two commonly provided components improved employment outcomes for highly vulnerable youth. Results suggest focusing on refining extended‑care policies and improving usual services.