In June 2022, Anglicare Southern Queensland welcomed news from the Palaszczuk Government that the Queensland Government would extend support for young people in care until the age of 21 from July 2023.
Sue Cooke, the Chief Executive Officer of Anglicare Southern Queensland, called this announcement a “game changer” for young people in care.
“After years of advocacy from right across the human services sector, we’re thrilled to see that the Queensland Government has heard the voices of young people. As well as the staff who support them, and extended the option of care for three years,” Mrs Cooke said.
“This single decision will make all the difference in the life of our most vulnerable young people, including their children for generations to come.”
What this means for young people leaving care
Anglicare’s Group Manager for Children and Families, Tammy Lloyd said that most young people have the support of their family. Especially when it comes to navigating challenges of independence.
“Extended care will provide young people leaving care with the security they deserve. Thus, reduce their chances of being homeless and unsupported in these crucial early years of adulthood,” she said.
“We’re looking forward to participating in the consultation over the next year. Thus, to help shape what extended care will look like in Queensland.”
Anglicare’s commitment to young people in care
Anglicare Southern Queensland played an active role in the Home Stretch campaign. As an alliance of Queensland care providers, we advocated for the extension of care of more than three years.
The campaign was based on international evidence from the United States and United Kingdom. This evidence showed significant reductions in homelessness, poor physical and mental health, unemployment and other negative life outcomes from extended care policies.
When making the announcement, the Minister for Children, Leanne Linard said, “Extending post care support will help young people feel empowered; it will help build self-confidence, self-esteem, and give them the skills they need to live independently in adulthood.”
“I am proud to deliver this reform for young Queenslanders.”
Learn more about Home Stretch
For more information about our involvement in the Home Stretch campaign, read this story from April 2022. This story was written prior to the legislative change and contains firsthand experiences from young people in care. In this story, they also discussed what the change would mean for young people to access this support.
To learn more about our overall advocacy efforts, particularly in the children, youth and family’s space, please visit our Advocacy page on our website.
Historic Decision Made: Shania, Chair of Home Stretch Mr Paul McDonald with Marie and Jayke who shared their stories of how they struggled when they had to leave care before the age of 18.
