LEAVING CARE

Leaving Care

Are you 15 or older and still in care? Then this section is for you!

Here is what you need to know – most young people in care will start to think about their next steps for when they turn18. Generally young people in care aged between 15 & 18 stop being involved with child protection at some stage, but don’t worry there is still support available to you through post-care support services. What that means is you are no longer on a child protection order and no longer have a child protection worker. You may have a leaving care worker but either way it’s time to get your transition plan together to become independent.

During this time or when you transition you may or may not move out of where you are living. If you do move out this is called transitioning to independent living! You may also choose to move out and live in a place generally without a carer or worker. Some accommodation may be supported and have some support workers available. You may also choose to move out with friends or family, or choose to live by yourself. All young people going out on their own need to learn heaps of new things to be independent. You are making the transition to independence.

You are likely to experience a range of different emotions – from uncertainty to excitement, confusion to confidence. This is a time when your view of the world will change. Let’s face it – this is a challenging time. You deserve all the support you can get! Leaving care is a transition – you are moving from one way of life into a new way of life. You are moving toward the life of your own choice and you don’t have to do it alone.

You are entitled to a Leaving care plan

Your Leaving care plan should include:

• Housing – financial assistance and support to help you find accommodation.
• Education – assistance in finding the right education and training for you.
• Employment – assistance in finding employment.
• Counselling and other services.

This plan will include ways you can be supported through after care services to deal with any issues that may arise when you leave care. This is designed to reduce the stress involved in leaving care and learning to live independently.