European networks of care leavers join forces at an international seminar in Orvelte
February 4, 2026
The transition from youth care to independence is a global challenge that affects the lives of thousands of young people every day. Although professionals have been working for years to improve systems and processes, the voices of young people with firsthand experience are essential to making real progress.
Experiential expertise as a starting point
From November 17 to 21, 2025, Kinderperspectief brought together representatives from six European care leavers’ networks in Orvelte, Drenthe, for an inspiring seminar. Sixteen participants from Ireland, the Netherlands, Austria, Croatia, Germany, and Serbia gathered to exchange experiences, learn from one another, and collectively reflect on the future of support for young people leaving youth care.
The participants represented their national networks and brought not only professional expertise but also their own practical experience to the table. This created a unique environment where personal stories, practical experiences, and innovative ideas came together.
Key themes
Throughout the week, the focus was on collaboration. The participants explored the key factors necessary for a successful transition to adulthood and discussed how their networks could continue to grow, work together more effectively, and provide even stronger support for young people.
Through a collaborative process, three key themes were selected that connect the networks across national borders:
- How can we strengthen international cooperation?
- How can we foster meaningful mutual support among our organizations?
- How can we improve the transition to adulthood for care leavers?
Based on these questions, the participants developed various final products, including videos, podcasts, and posters. The insights, ideas, and recommendations gathered during the seminar have been compiled into a document that highlights the power of international collaboration and practical expertise.
The document shows how young people with experience in youth care are actively helping to shape the future of leaving care in Europe.
This international exchange was made possible in part thanks to support from the Erasmus+ program, which promotes cooperation, knowledge exchange, and innovation within Europe.
Read the full document HERE
