Transition to independence with tailored support.
We can help you build life skills, secure housing, and achieve independence with personalised guidance and mentoring.
Program details
Next Steps Plus and the Youth Outreach programs provide you with practical guidance and assistance to:
- Manage your money, entitlements, and budgeting
- Secure and maintain housing
- Build a resume, find training, and secure employment
- Stay safe, healthy, and independent
- Navigate relationships and access legal advice.
Transition to Independent Living Allowance (TILA)
You may be eligible to access up to $1,500 through TILA to support your transition. This allowance can be used for essential expenses such as securing accommodation, paying for education or training, purchasing household items, and more.
Extended Post Care Support (EPCS)
For young adults aged 18 and over, EPCS offers additional mentorship to help you achieve independence through a personalised Goals and Outcomes Plan. You can access financial support to achieve goals such as:
- Secure safe and affordable housing
- Gain education, employment, and training opportunities
- Build budgeting and other independent living skills
- Improve your physical and emotional well-being.
This funding is used to empower sustainable independence and is coordinated with other support systems to ensure your long-term success.
Program benefits
Both of these programs are guided by the principles of:
- Self-determination
- Respect
- Addressing the holistic needs of young people.
By fostering resilience, promoting healing, and encouraging independence, we help young people transition to adulthood with confidence and support.
Eligibility
Next Step Plus
- Transition Phase (Ages 15–18): Young people in care who need support in planning their transition to independent living.
- Future Phase (Ages 18–25): Young people who have had a care placement from their 12th birthday onward.
General Requirements for Next Step Plus
- Must have been in formal care on a court order after 15th birthday
- Must have left care or be in the process of leaving care
- A Transition to Independence Plan must be in place.
Extended Post Care Support (EPCS)
- Young people aged 18 and over transitioning from care
- A personalised Goals and Outcomes Plan is developed to identify and achieve independence-related objectives.
What is Anglicare’s purpose?
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We’ve been caring for Queenslanders for over 150 years
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We connect with people at every stage of life and respond with compassion and humility
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Our team is experienced, dedicated and equipped to help
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We advocate to inform positive social change
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Our vision is to create a more loving, just and inclusive society.
Common questions
Here are the most frequently asked questions we receive about our Next Steps and Extended Care program.
What is the Next Steps Plus program?
Next Step Plus is a free program, designed to mentor young people with a care experience to transition into adulthood.
Is the Next Steps Plus program free?
Yes, the Next Steps Plus program is free for eligible young people funded through the Department of Child Safety.
What is the Youth Housing and Reintegration Services (YHARS)?
Youth Housing and Reintegration Services (YHARS) helps young people who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless. They provide financial assistance, access to accommodation options and other supports to young people in need.
What is the Transition to Independent Living Allowance (TILA)
The Transition to Independent Living Allowance (TILA) is a one-off payment of up to $1,500 that is available to eligible young people.
How do I sign up to the Next Steps Plus program?
You can apply to the Next Steps Plus program through your case worker.
Access our services
We’re here for you. Submit this form or call us to access an Anglicare service or program. Our team is available between 7am and 5pm weekdays on 1300 610 610
If you need to talk to someone urgently, outside of business hours, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you are in immediate danger, dial 000.