“Don't stand up on unlevel ground”: Care leavers' experiences of out-of-home care

Care leaver's stories challenge assumed narratives about Out-Of-Home Care, highlighting how short-term, inconsistent care undermines children's need for stability, participation and meaningful relationships. Findings contribute theoretically by examining intersectionality in care contexts and practically by advocating for relational continuity as well as child-centred, participatory, culturally responsive models of care.