Call for Abstracts

Home Stretch is pleased to accept abstracts for the Home Stretch Symposium to be held on 15 & 16 May 2025.

Topics at the 4th Home Stretch Symposium will include: accessing sustainable housing, employment and education, the role of government in the ongoing support until 21 years or beyond, and further policy reform for care leavers.

Bringing together a diverse range of experts, policy makers and lived experience voices (both First Nation and non-Indigenous) to explore the successes, innovations, and further reform to supporting care leavers.

Home Stretch invites papers submissions for speakers under the following three streams, (programs and initiatives must be evidence based).

  1. HOUSING FOR CARE LEAVERS

Papers for this stream must include either of the following:

  • housing models or initiatives specific for care leavers
  • the challenges, barriers and opportunities in housing care leavers
  • a critique of the current housing approach and the solutions for achieving sustainable housing for care leavers

2. EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT FOR CARE LEAVERS

Papers for this stream must include either of the following:

  • education and employment models or initiatives specific for care leavers
  • the challenges, barriers and opportunities faced by care leavers getting into further and higher education
  • the challenges, barriers and opportunities faced by care leavers getting into meaningful employment

3. OTHER SUPPORTS FOR CARE LEAVERS

Papers for this stream must include either of the following:

  • wrap around support models or initiatives for care leavers such as: mentorship programs, legal specialised services, advocates etc.
  • the importance of community and cultural connections for care leaver
  • a focus on mental health supports for care leavers
  • social networks and creating meaningful relationships for care leavers

Abstract submissions will close on 16 March 2025.

Successful submissions will be notified in the first week of April 2025 following a thorough abstract review process.

Important information

  • Many speaking roles are offered as panelists rather than as presenters, meaning you may be offered a speaking role that varies from your proposed presentation.
  • To submit an abstract please fill in the form below.

For all enquiries, including to withdraw an abstract please email info@thehomestretch.org.au.

  • When submitting an abstract, the author(s) understand that if the abstract is successful:
    • while they retain ownership of copyright of their presentation, Home Stretch may publish their abstract, PowerPoint presentation and/or any biographical information in the conference pocket program, media releases, social media platforms and on the conference website
    • their presentation may be filmed and/or audio recorded and may be made available after the presentation and /or conference;
    • if applicable, their final PowerPoint presentation will be collected prior to the conference to be uploaded to the conference portal; and
    • should their final PowerPoint presentation change to what was provided prior to the conference, the revised version will be collected and uploaded to the conference portal.
  • Traditional presentation opportunities are limited, and many speaking roles will be as panelists and respondents, meaning your role in the session may vary from your original submission.
  • Acceptance is conditional on the speaker registering to attend the conference. 
  • Speakers must register by 30 April 2025.
  • Speakers acknowledge that if they have not registered by 30 April 2025 Home Stretch may withdraw the invitation to present at the conference.
  • Speakers are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and incidentals in respect to attending the conference.

Submission Form

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Every child deserves to be supported into adulthood – extending out of home care until the age of 21 and providing the right supports will give thousands of young people the additional guidance they need to have a real shot at life.

 

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