Abstract
A well-documented outcome for emerging adults in determining their ‘success’, is whether they are NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) or EET (engaged in Education, Employment and Training). Being NEET can create psychological, emotional, financial and health challenges and is a significant risk factor in youth making successful transitions into adulthood. This article describes and compares the NEET and EET status of care-leavers from Girls and Boys Town after one and two years and in relation to other outcomes. The results suggest that while care-leavers NEET rates are high, they are not significantly higher than those of the South African general population as seen elsewhere in the world. Furthermore, being NEET is associated with more negative care-leaving outcomes than being EET, however this article also highlights the vulnerability of those who are EET. Relationships with family and support networks play a critical role in helping and supporting these youth.