Social Institutions/ Structures
Around the age of 18 young adult began to value relationships they have formed with their friends and family. They become more aware of the responsibility required in order to maintain a healthy relationship.During this time the young adult will spend less time with his family as work, friends and dating become priority.
Unemployment Rate
According to Hutchinson (2011)The U.S. unemployment rate in 2009 was 10.2%;however, including the part-time workers that desire full time jobs is 17.5%(p.295). Gaining success depends on on two things, human capital and community assets. Human Capital is social development, talents, skills and intellectual capacity as well as healthy emotional state. Community Capital is having transportation, networking, and an education. It is also important to have the support of family in long term investments, i.e. "college and down payment on a house (Hutchinson et al.,2011, p.295)." This also known as "family capital."
Young Adult in Work Force
Young adults transitioning out of foster care along with those that have developmental/ emotional disabilities are at a higher risk for dropping out of high school. Programs such as, Job Corps and AmeriCorps, have been established for these young adults,and are geared toward “education and occupational advancement” (Hutchinson et. al,2011, p.288). Young adults transitioning out of foster care generally have the hardest time becoming successfully independent. Because some are less like to have the support of family as well as human or community capital, the government established Foster Care Independence Act and John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program to extend support until 21. Also, state laws are changing and certain foster care residents will be allowed to stay in care until they have graduate ( King and Rukh-Kamma,2013, p.56).
As social workers it is important to be aware of all policy and government changes concerning your clients.