Abstract
New Zealand has one of the youngest leaving care ages in the developed world (17th birthday) and has lagged behind other countries in providing robust legislation and policy to support care leavers. Although this is a significant factor in our failure to meet their needs (Ashton, 2014; Boshier & Wademan, 2010), a review of the international literature demonstrates that legislation is not the panacea (Broad, 1999; Courtney, Lee & Perez, 2011; Mendes, Johnson & Moslehuddin, 2011; Stott, 2013). Drawing on international developments, marginalization as a theoretical framework for understanding the experience of care leavers is explored. The New Zealand situation provides a case study highlighting processes of marginalization. A discussion of reforms needed and implications for policy and practice in other countries concludes this chapter.