‘I Don't Want to Live in the Future’: Exploring Older Adolescents' Experiences in Residential Homes and Their Preparedness for Independent Adult Living

ABSTRACT Young people transitioning from residential home care to independent adulthood often experience significant psychosocial and economic vulnerabilities, particularly in low‐resource contexts. This study explored the preparedness of older adolescents in residential homes in Accra, Ghana, for independent adult living within the context of deinstitutionalisation and childcare reform. Purposive sampling was used to select five residential homes in the Greater Accra Region based on accessibility, diversity of care services and willingness to participate, while eligible adolescents aged 14–18 years residing in the selected homes were invited to participate; 32 adolescents consented to take part in the study. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews exploring participants' pathways into care, experiences with residential homes and perceptions of preparedness for adulthood and independent living. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's six‐phase reflexive thematic analysis framework. Findings revealed that parental loss, poverty, abandonment and neglect were major drivers of institutional placement. Although participants acknowledged the benefits of formal education, vocational training and entrepreneurial skills development, many reported emotional isolation, harsh disciplinary practices, overcrowding and uncertainty about life after care. Participants also expressed strong emotional attachment to residential homes alongside anxiety, fear and limited confidence regarding independent adulthood. The findings suggest that preparedness for leaving extends beyond acquisition of practical life skills to include emotional resilience, psychosocial support, social connectedness and confidence in navigating independent living. The study highlights the need for trauma‐informed social work counselling, structured transition programmes and sustained post‐care support to strengthen the transition of care leavers into adulthood in Ghana.