Like leaving home, leaving care can be a challenging and overwhelming time in a young person’s life, and they don’t always get much control over when it happens. However, there are several ways that we support carers for when their foster child turns 18.
In this blog, we explore transition plans and forms of support that we provide for this important time in a young person’s life.
Transition Plan
When a young person turns 15, their Child Safety Officer will start the conversation around their plans for leaving care. This will include discussing goals and how the young person plans to go about working towards them. Together, they’ll make a Transition Plan and the young person will start their first steps towards independence. The Transition Plan might include things like finding housing and employment, managing finances, going to TAFE or university, getting a driver’s licence, accessing counselling and financial assistance, developing life skills and keeping up connection with family.
Young people will get to use their plan as a road map for their future. This will help prepare them for changes they will experience transitioning into adulthood. Transition Plans are personalised, and developed in partnership so that young people have ownership and feel confident working towards their goals and aspirations, and they know how to get help when they need it.
The Transition Plan will also include Transition funding through Child Safety to support identified needs and goals for the young person. If a young person in out-of-home care does not have a Transition Plan, carers may need to advocate for this.
What other resources are available for when a foster child turns 18?
Transition to Independent Living Allowance
The Transition to Independent Living Allowance is a one-off payment of up to $1,500 from the Federal Government to cover basic costs when a young person leaves out-of-home care. A young person might use this for:
- items like a fridge or couch
- education or training courses
- counselling expenses
- or other eligible costs. Find out more about eligibility here.
Next Step Plus
Next Step Plus is a service for young people aged 15–25 who have had a care experience since their 12th birthday. For young people aged 15–18 they can assist with transition support, and for young people aged 18–25 they can offer support with things like managing money, finding somewhere to live, getting a job and legal advice.
Young people can also continue to get support from Child Safety after they turn 18 through a Support Service Case. This will usually last for about 12 months. Though, their Child Safety Officer will work with them on their goals and the support they need to achieve them.
Youth Housing and Reintegration Services
Youth Housing and Reintegration Services helps young people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless with support, financial assistance, and access to accommodation options. Child Safety can refer young people to this service, or young people can contact their nearest service centre.
As of June 2022, young people leaving care in Queensland have been given extended support and financial assistance. from Thus, increasing support from their 18th birthday until they are 21. Young people will receive financial assistance of up to $16,000 a year until their 21st birthday. This is designed to help meet their everyday living costs. However, if young people are still living with their carer, the carer will continue to receive the fortnightly care allowance until the young person turns 21.
Mental Health and Other Living Supports
When a foster child turns 18, they may also be eligible to apply for some of the following supports.
Unfortunately, young people leaving care are at greater risk of experiencing mental health challenges. Mental health support can be accessed from Beyond Blue, who offer online or phone support. A GP can also help with a mental health care plan and support accessing mental health services.
The Create Foundation is the national body representing children and young people with an out-of-home care experience. Young people who aren’t already members may be interested in joining and connecting with others who share their experience. They also offer Create Your Future grants yearly that can assist with things like IT expenses or driving lessons. Find out what grants you can apply for here.
The Create Foundation’s Create Your Future website is an amazing resource for young people looking for help, guidance or information. The website is easy to navigate with extensive information on living skills, education, employment, housing, health and more.
The Create Foundation also has a fantastic podcast, Voices in Action. This is a platform for young people to talk about their experiences in care.
The Sortli app (short for “sort your life out”) is a free mobile app designed to help young people find the information and services they need when they leave care.
November in Queensland is Transition to Adulthood month. During this month there are lots of events and resources available for young people who have left care.
In regional areas, young people may be eligible for BUSY at Work Commonwealth Scholarships, which provide funding for eligible qualifications up to a diploma level.
There may also be local services that can support young people in your area. For instance, BABI which offers a Get Set For Work program for young people in the Wynnum area. Reach out to Anglicare Southern Queensland on 1300 000 828 for more resources in your area.