The Problems of Transition to Adulthood on the Example of Orphans

This paper explores young people's experience of leaving care in Russia. The aim of the research is to identify the list of problems faced by care leavers, to find out causes of these problems, also distinguish ways of solving problems that young people are using. It analyses qualitative data obtained from two focus groups, first – with young people that came under the government care and second – with professionals, who work with that kind of young people. Turned out that the problems associated with the transition of young people to adulthood are a consequence of the measures taken by the state’s social policy. In other words, the resources provided by the state create barriers for young people. To successfully overcome these barriers, young people who have experience of living under state care, show their agency, and also develop resilience. In addition, demonstration of agency can create conditions for the development of resilience, which contributes to the success of the transition of young people even more.