Where is the village? Exploring pathways to, and experiences of, early parenting amongst young people transitioning from out-of-home care in Victoria, Australia.

Young people transitioning from out-of-home care arrangements have children at much higher rates than their non-care experienced peers. Transitions from care research has established that many care leavers transition from care with few social, familial and community relationships and resources – resources that many parents of any age rely on for practical, emotional and financial supports. This thesis has examined what characteristics of the care experience may lead to this higher incidence of pregnancy and early parenting, and what the impacts of child protection involvement with care experienced parents – especially those with few social or financial resources can be.