Abstract
This article aims to deepen and theorise our understanding of the need for belonging among young people transitioning out of residential care. The study adopted a qualitative approach, with a sample of 31 residential care-leavers in South Africa, who were followed-up annually for seven years. It addresses the lack of theoretically informed studies and builds an indigenous theory to explain the care-leaving journey. This paper presents findings on care-leavers' deep desire for authentic belonging, their investment in building authentic relationships, and their frustration and failure in doing so. Implications for practice suggest an imperative to build care-leavers' sense of belonging after removal from home to care, which will ultimately lead to building resilience. Social workers and child and youth care workers need to co-build networks of belonging to foster young people's perceptions of themselves and the part that belonging plays in their post-care reintegration.