Possibilities and limitations of second-chance education for young adults from the perspective of social workers

This thesis focuses on examining the concept of second-chance education for adults, with an emphasis on young adults who have left the education system prematurely. Second-chance education currently represents an important tool for supporting young adults at risk of social exclusion as a result of incomplete education. Social workers play a key role in this area, as they work with these clients on a long-term basis. The aim of the research is to identify, from the perspective of social workers, effective approaches that support the reintegration of young adults into the educational process, and to describe the key factors that may help reduce the risk of their early departure from education. The research uses a qualitative design based on semi- structured interviews with seven social workers working in various social services and one employee of the prison service. The analysis of the interviews indicates that the successful engagement of young adults in second-chance education is conditioned by the interplay of six key areas: internal changes in motivation, overcoming personal and structural barriers, building trust and a partnership between the client and the social worker, using practical and motivational support strategies, ensuring inter-disciplinary cooperation, and clearly defining the...