engleski

Students, care takers and decision makers perception of higher education for students with in-care experience

Students with in-care experiences overcome different life challenges, risks factors and used their strengths to get into higher education. During study period they face different difficulties so the state as institutional parent should provide support. Paper presents results of a qualitative study which aimed to explore support system to students with in-care experience in Croatia from three perspectives: care-leavers with studying experiences, care-takers and professionals who are involved in decision- making and implementing activities on national and local level. Focus groups and interviews were conducted with 23 students, 5 professionals and 11 caretakers in 5 Croatian cities. Three basic themes from all three perspectives are presented: currently available support, difficulties in support system and guidelines for supporting in-care students. All groups of participants are informed about support that is currently available for students with in-care experiences and describe financial and accommodation support. Perception of difficulties in delivering support defers between professionals and students and caretakers. Students also explain reasons for seeking support. Resolving existential issues is first step in support system building according to students and caretakers perception. Participants suggest different incentive activities so at the end some recommendations for forming and delivering support system for in-care students are presented.

In-care students; Support; Education; Perception of support system; Child welfare

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