Proces usamodzielnienia wychowanków placówek opiekuńczo-wychowawczych – wybrane aspekty

The article explores the process of transition into independent living of young people leaving institutional care system in Poland. The first section discusses the concept of autonomy as a crucial trait to the process of becoming independent from the others (institutions or individuals). In the next section this process is analysed together with its essential element, i.e. financial assistance. In the third section the author presents data related to the care institutions and the number of its beneficiaries in Poland. The final section contains an overview of the main issues experienced by the people becoming independent and a set of recommendations aimed at improving the efficiency of this process.