What's the Answer? - Create

TRANSITION PHASEISSUESYOUNG PEOPLE’S SOLUTIONSPlanning• Transition planning processes are not oftenclear to workers.• Information about the transition phase andresources is fragmented and difficult foryoung people to navigate.• Prioritise training for workers in all aspects of the transitionfrom-careplanning process.• Develop a national communication strategy.• Promote already funded transition-from-care websitewww.createyourfuture.org.au to young people, workers andcarers.Housing• Young people are not treated as a priorityfor subsidised or government housing.• Private rental is challenging as youngpeople are often unable to pay marketrates for housing/accommodation.• Government housing for young people isoften in low-income, high unemploymentareas.• Implement a priority-housing category for young peoplewith a care experience within public housing, and SAAPservices.• Review existing rental subsidies to provide an appropriatelevel of support to young people to help them accesshousing in the private rental market.Best Practice Example: Lead Tenant model (TAS)“Rent is really high so more rent assistancewould help.”Education• A low rate of young people with a careexperience complete high school comparedto the general population. The lowexpectations of government compound thisissue, i.e., young people in care areexpected (and accepted) to have lowereducational attainment.• Young people associated with JuvenileJustice often have poor educationaloutcomes and disrupted schooling.• Life-skills training is an “add–on” ratherthan being a part of the mainstreameducational curriculum.• Early parenthood often prohibits youngpeople completing their education.• Develop strategies to increase the proportion of youngpeople in care completing Year 12 to ensure that Year 12attainment for young people in care is the same as that ofthe general population.• Develop alternative education pathways, including trainingand volunteering opportunities specifically for children andyoung people with a care experience.• Include life-skills development as part of the mainstreamhigh-school curriculum to develop hands-on practical lifeskills courses/training for young people.Best Practice Example: Create Your Future ProgramEmployment• Young people find it challenging to keep ajob when their accommodation, housing, orplacements are unstable.• Lack of tailored support to assist youngpeople to be competent and confident inseeking jobs.• No access to records such as birthcertificates, and care history, make itdifficult for young people to apply for jobs.• Enhance the Job Services Network to ensure that itsfunctions meet the specific needs of young care leavers.• Instigate traineeships /internships within variousgovernment departments for young people who have beenin care.• Commit to a quota of traineeships/internship placements.• Introduce nationally a model of brokerage funding similar tothat operating in Victoria (brokerage is important to providefunds to enable the young care leaver to be competitive in17