Preparing for Adult Life

Over 66,000 children and young people are living in government- supported care homes in Colombia (ICBF). Most are there as a result of economic difficulties, threats of recruitment into illegal armed groups, displacement, violence, abuse or abandonment. The care homes are often over-crowded with little or no capacity to provide any kind of individualised support.

At the age of 18, state support comes to an end for these children, and they are thrust back into society, expected to deal alone with whatever life throws at them. They are viewed by society as old enough to look after themselves and no longer in need of support.  But these young people are still extremely vulnerable, and often completely unprepared for the realities of life outside care.

As a result, they too often end up on the streets, in abusive relationships, or excluded from society in some other way. Over the years, we have learnt that there is a great need not just to support the youngest children, but to work with young people as they become adults and prepare to leave home.

Although many care homes are aware of these acute needs, there is currently no state provision and very little structured provision from other organisations preparing young people for leaving care. This is why Children of the Andes is working with Colombian NGOs that support young people as they prepare for independent living, helping them in practical ways, encouraging them to continue building positive futures for themselves.

In this way, COTA has been able to reach thousands of children leaving care.  With your support we are changing their lives, helping them to adjust to adult life and become part of society.