‘Yes-Yes Generation’ Defies Odds, But Faces Steep Climb to Full Emancipation in Spain
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A new report reveals that despite remarkable resilience and commitment to education and work, young people transitioning out of state care in Spain face notable economic and social hurdles to achieving lasting independence.
Nearly nine out of ten young people with experiance in the care system – 88% – are currently engaged in education,employment,or a combination of both,according to a survey released in 2024 by the Federation of Entities for Youth Emancipation (FEPA). This data challenges the “Ni-ni” stereotype – those neither studying nor working – often associated with at-risk youth. However, the report underscores that dedication alone is insufficient to guarantee a stable future, with many facing a “significant disadvantage” stemming from economic insecurity, housing shortages, and systemic gaps in support.
the Rise of the ‘yes-Yes Generation’
FEPA’s study identifies a growing cohort dubbed the ‘Yes-Yes Generation’ – young people demonstrating a strong commitment to building autonomous lives through education and employment. Currently, 39.10% are focused on further education, while 48.73% are employed, frequently enough combining work and studies to quicker employment. access to university, however, remains limited, with only 3.65% pursuing higher education, highlighting the persistent barriers of economic and social inequality.
the Fragility of Economic Autonomy
Despite high levels of engagement in work and education – with half of formerly cared-for youth currently employed – economic autonomy remains a major obstacle. The report indicates that 60% of those aged 18-25 lack financial independence, relying on income sources other than salaried work. Even among those combining studies and employment, with 63% working full-time, over half (56.1%) still struggle to achieve self-sufficiency.
This reliance on external support is critical. Financial aid from FEPA entities (27.42%) and specific benefits for young people leaving care (17.92%) are essential for basic survival and preventing homelessness.For 18-year-olds, these Third sector aids represent the primary source of income (34.5%),underlining the vital role of these organizations during the initial stages of adulthood.Alarmingly, only 3.64% of ex-tutored youth receive general social benefits like the Minimum Vital Income (IMV), due to restrictive eligibility requirements. A staggering 15.07% have no income or benefits whatsoever, leaving them in a state of extreme vulnerability.
Access to stable housing remains a significant challenge. Young people exiting the care system face what is described as a “jump into the void” upon turning 18, losing administrative guardianship without a family safety net and immediately confronting a highly competitive and expensive housing market. This situation is exacerbated by spain’s broader “generational threat” of housing affordability, where young people often spend almost their entire income on rent.
Currently, 65% of 18-year-olds rely on transitional housing programs managed by FEPA entities. The Federation criticizes the Public management for failing to guarantee the right to housing for those it has previously supervised, arguing that a lack of public housing resources forces reliance on the capacity of entities to provide alternatives, fragmenting the emancipation process.
A Profile of Vulnerability: Migration and Lack of Family Support
The report also reveals that 76.69% of the young people served are of non-EU origin, with 88% of this group having migrated alone (MENA). An overwhelming 77.60% lack family references within Spain, forcing them to build their lives from scratch. Despite these challenges, the “immigration project as an engine of emancipation” is evident in their high levels of work and training activity.
Recent reforms to immigration regulations in late 2021 have been a positive step, facilitating documentation and enabling 71.46% to obtain residence and work authorization.However, administrative obstacles and the need for specialized care persist. FEPA entities must address language barriers, cultural differences, migratory grief, and difficulties accessing basic services. The Federation emphasizes the need for a comprehensive care model that addresses the multiple layers of disadvantage faced by this population.
The FEPA report paints a picture of a resilient generation striving for independence, but one that requires sustained and targeted support to overcome systemic barriers and achieve lasting emancipation.
