Leaving care: retrospective reports by alumni of Israeli group homes.

This study examines the retrospective reports of alumni of Israeli group homes on their experiences of leaving care, taking into account possible gender differences as well as associations with their experiences while in care. The reports of 94 alumni (38 men and 56 women) interviewed by phone revealed major difficulties associated with the transition from the group home. About half perceived their transition from care as "quite hard" or "very hard." A fifth reported having no one to talk to during the first period of leaving care. Generally, the transition was more difficult for girls th