What's the Answer? - Create

SummaryThe solutions identified by young people are simple, and easy to implement, and more importantlywill facilitate better outcomes. Legislation and policies exist that are well intentioned, articulate andconsidered. However, it is clear that reducing the chasm between policy and practice is wherechange must begin to make a positive impact on the system.The Commonwealth needs to exercise strong leadership and State/Territory governments mustdemonstrate a high degree of "political will" to implement and enforce policies and make it a priorityto monitor and hear the voices of young people to ensure that the intent of policies translates togood practice on the ground. This Report highlights that, for practice to improve, resources andfunding must be made available across government. Young people exiting care MUST be givenpriority status.The planning phase is particularly important. It needs to be well considered and interactive. Stringentmonitoring processes must be developed to ensure compliance with policy; for example, every youngperson must have a leaving care plan (a plan for their future). To enable quality planning, resourcesmust be allocated to workers directly involved with young people, and specialist workers should belocated in each region to oversee and monitor the transitioning of young people to independence.Importantly, specialist workers need to be the responsibility of both the Commonwealth andState/Territory governments.The community and the corporate sector are willing and able to be involved in improving the lives ofyoung people transitioning from care, but have few mechanisms and opportunities to do so.Mobilising the community to become mentors would make a huge impact on reducing the workloadof workers, and would provide long-term stable support for young people post-care giving themevery chance of succeeding. Moreover, it is cost effective!A whole-of-government commitment would change the future for young Australians leaving the caresystem.22