Leaving care plans
About leaving care plans
A leaving care plan is also called a transition from care plan. The young person and their caseworker develop the plan. This is usually when the young person turns 15 years of age. The plan helps them transition from out-of-home care to independence.
Each plan is different and based on the support the young person needs to become independent. The plan is reviewed regularly, and can cover the following relevant life domains:
- housing
- health including physical, emotional (including self-esteem, mental, sexual and dental)
- employment
- education and training
- financial security
- social relationships and support networks
- life (and after care) skills
- identity and culture
- legal matters.
The plan should align with the Transitioning from out-of-home care to independence: A nationally consistent approach to planning.
The young person should contact a caseworker if they don’t have a plan, or they would like to update their plan. They should contact their local state or territory department for child protection if they don’t have a caseworker.