What we want
As the largest parent of all, we are seeking all state, territory and federal governments to act as a responsible ‘corporate parent’. Whereby the provision of care can be extended to any young person needing or seeking this, until 21 years, much like what is happening in any other family setting in Australia. We believe that giving young people in state care the extended care option as well as: guaranteed housing pathways, accessible and appropriate mental health support, targeted employment and education opportunities will provide them with the platform to make the right start in adult life and enjoy better long-term outcomes.
Why?
For far too long we’ve been witnessing poor outcomes for kids being required to leave the care system on or before 18 years. Many, who are required to leave their care setting at this age, become homeless, involved with the criminal justice system, unemployed or a new parent within the first 12 months of being exited from care. The termination of care by state governments at 18 years is not consistent with parenting that is seeing most young people remain home well into their 20’s.