Victorian Parliament passes historic reform that could change the way governments run child welfare in Australia

Legislation introduced by the Allan Government and passed by the Victorian Parliament this week has delivered a historic opportunity to transform the lives of vulnerable young people and families for the better, said national Home Stretch Chair Paul McDonald.

The Children, Youth and Families Amendment (Supporting Stable and Strong Families) Bill 2025 was officially brought into law this week – fundamentally redefining the obligations and responsibilities of a state government towards a child in care and a care leaver up to the age of 25.

Mr McDonald said the law obliges all Ministers of the state and heads of departments to:

• provide services and policies for the wellbeing of young people in foster, kinship and residential care
• support the wellbeing of young people to the age of 25 after they leave state care
• provide support for the families of these young people
• develop plans and table a report on their progress every two years in Parliament.

“This important shift in child welfare should act as the template for all other state and territory governments. Children who grow up in foster, kinship and residential care are one of the most disadvantaged groups in the country. But despite being born into disadvantage, these young people can thrive with timely support and intervention,” Mr McDonald said.

“By leading with ambition and optimism for these children in the state’s care – as this reform does – we can send them into the world as independent adults who are better equipped for what is to come. Their chances of finding a safe and secure home, going on to further study, getting a good job and staying out of the justice system will all be vastly improved with the diligent administration of this important initiative.

“Identifying families who need help before they get to the point of crisis will reduce the load on the state care system and help families to continue living safely together.”

The legislation is the first of its kind in Australia and follows positive results in other countries. Scotland committed to this idea of the government playing the role of the ‘corporate parent’ of these young people over a decade ago, and it has made a huge positive difference, both to them and their families.

Started in 2016, the Home Stretch campaign successfully lobbied all state and territory governments to extend the end of foster care from 18 to 21. The next phase of this campaign is to encourage governments to act as a good parent would, by continuing to provide support to young people in the years after they leave the care of the state.

Home Stretch recognises the leadership of Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn and her vision for care leavers and children in care, and Premier Jacinta Allan for introducing this groundbreaking reform to Victoria.

Corporate parenting means the state takes on the responsibility of meeting the needs of children, young people and care leavers who are unable to live with their parents. It requires services to work together in partnership to meet the needs of this group, which faces significant disadvantage in a range of areas compared to their peers. This approach has a strong track record of success in jurisdictions such as the UK.

Read the media statement

ENDS

More information about extending care for young people can be found on the Home Stretch website.

For further enquiries contact Katie Martin on 0419 035 117 or media@anglicarevictoria.org.au

Share article