The Prevalence of High-Risk Behavior Among Adolescents in Aftercare Services and Transitioning from Out-of-home Care: A Systematic Review

Abstract Adolescents in aftercare services who are transitioning from out-of-home care, also called care leavers, face more challenges their lives, and engage risk behaviors, than peers. However, no previous reviews have comprehensively addressed this issue to identify future research needs. The aim of systematic review was gather, assess, synthesize studies concerning leavers’ high-risk behavior. search conducted six databases, with sixteen articles included the final review. selected highlighted five forms behavior: substance abuse, delinquency, sexual behavior, irresponsible use money, self-destructive incidence behavior among leavers varied noticeably between studies. Some reported significant connections gender, race, reason(s) for placement, form number placements. synthesized findings revealed a fragmented, limited view that abuse delinquency. development adolescents, particularly includes multiple factors either conducive or protecting effect Comprehensive regarding including associated factors, is needed better support healthy success independent living.