Abstract
The survey assessed the short-term impact of the first wave of COVID-19 crisis on atrisk youth and care leavers in Israel. We surveyed 525 young adults from March 31
through May 2, to explore how care leavers and other at-risk youth fared during the
lockdown in terms of employment, income, social support, psychological well-being,
and fulfillment of basic needs. Findings showed that during the first wave of the
pandemic in Israel, a staggering number of at-risk youth were unable to pay rent, buy
food supplies, or afford hygiene products. Almost half of the participants reported
carrying debt. In terms of mental health, one-fourth of participants reported suffering
from severe anxiety and depression and seeking urgent psychological support. Only a
few reported that their families would be able to support them when needed during the
crisis. Care leavers were significantly more likely than other at-risk youth to deal with
lack of basic need and familial support, and to receive financial or material support
from national NGOs or local welfare agencies during the outbreak. Initial findings
were presented to The Israeli Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs in May 2020.
The results led to the enactment of a special rent grant and other benefits, which
aimed to alleviate the pandemic-induced suffering of at-risk youth.
through May 2, to explore how care leavers and other at-risk youth fared during the
lockdown in terms of employment, income, social support, psychological well-being,
and fulfillment of basic needs. Findings showed that during the first wave of the
pandemic in Israel, a staggering number of at-risk youth were unable to pay rent, buy
food supplies, or afford hygiene products. Almost half of the participants reported
carrying debt. In terms of mental health, one-fourth of participants reported suffering
from severe anxiety and depression and seeking urgent psychological support. Only a
few reported that their families would be able to support them when needed during the
crisis. Care leavers were significantly more likely than other at-risk youth to deal with
lack of basic need and familial support, and to receive financial or material support
from national NGOs or local welfare agencies during the outbreak. Initial findings
were presented to The Israeli Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs in May 2020.
The results led to the enactment of a special rent grant and other benefits, which
aimed to alleviate the pandemic-induced suffering of at-risk youth.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publisher | INTRAC International Research Network on Transitions to Adulthood from Care |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| State | Published - 2020 |