Fostering a successful transition from care

The level of support provided to children and young people in out of home care and their transition to independent living will be examined at a three-day national forum in Brisbane.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Children and Youth Affairs, the Hon Sussan Ley MP, today officially opened the fourth FACE to FACE Forum: Supporting Positive Leaving Care and Transition Experiences, which will examine young people leaving care and making the smooth transition to independent living.

“The forum will make a significant difference to children in care by providing stakeholders with the opportunity to identify ways of improving the level of care provided to children and young people,” Mrs Ley said.

“Jointly supported by the Howard Government and the peak body CREATE Foundation, the forum involves a collaborative approach by carers, government and non-government service providers to determine the best practice for children, young people and their families in the provision of out of home care.

“The forum also provides industry stakeholders with the opportunity to build on their skills and leadership in the out of home care community including quality improvement, research and consumer participation.

“It will also determine areas of potential collaboration in the development of best practice in out of home care.

“The Howard Government is committed to improving the opportunities for children and young people in care and has provided funding to support this year’s forum.

“In addition, the Government recognises the importance of providing support for young people making the transition from care to independent living.

“The Howard Government’s Transition to Independent Living Allowance (TILA) program provides one off assistance of up to $1,000 to young people leaving care.

“Eligibility for TILA was expanded in the May budget to include some young people leaving juvenile justice, Indigenous kinship care or other forms of informal care.

“I look forward to hearing the outcomes of this year’s forum and continuing to work with industry stakeholders, providing young people in care with the support and assistance needed to make a smooth transition to independent living,” Mrs Ley said.