Approximately 900 adolescents aged 15–17 were in foster care in 2025, and about 250 complete their placement each year. These young adults face numerous challenges and barriers during the transition to adulthood, yet little is known about their outcomes at this stage, the preparation they receive, and ways to improve the support available to them.
This study is the first to examine how “success” is defined for young adults who have grown up in foster care in Israel and to explore the foster care services’ existing strategies to prepare them for their transition to adulthood. It aims to deepen understanding of a topic that has received limited attention in Israel, specifically in the context of young people leaving foster care, and to support the development of a model for improving their preparation for adulthood. The data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with 16 professionals in foster care services and 22 young adults who grew up in foster care. The study was conducted at the request of the Foster Care and Adoption Services within the Division of Personal and Social Services at the Ministry of Welfare and Social Security.
The findings highlight the challenges faced by young adults during the transition to adulthood, as well as the challenges encountered by organizations and professionals in addressing their needs. They shed light on the current preparation strategies implemented by foster care services, the changes introduced in recent years, and key issues in its implementation. The findings also offer insights into how the preparation and support system for these young adults can be improved. Young adults’ perceptions of success and their needs for support at the end of placement provide an opportunity to focus on the milestones and goals that are most meaningful for this population and to direct efforts toward maximizing opportunities for successful development.
Citing suggestion (APA):
Ben Simon, B., Toporek Bar, O., & Sorek, Y. (2026). In between: Preparing foster care leavers in Israel for the transition to adulthood. RR-074-26.;