After care independence – Phase 3

Research and evidence strongly supports the need for an integrated model of after care support for young people extending beyond the age of 18 (the upper limit of care orders executed by the courts) to at least age 25.  In this context, Raman et al. advocate for governments to "act now as a prudent economist would, spend a little now to save a lot in the future. The cost of doing nothing is detrimental to young people, society and the economy at large". (Osborn, A. and Bromfield, L. 2007) 

In Australia, the research and evidence to date has been based at the jurisdictional level or, as in the case of Morgan Disney’s study, on a ‘service usage pathways’ approach.  To date, there is no study that would inform governments of what type of support is required by these young people, for how long, at what cost, and that identifies the down stream savings if this support was extended through the 18 – 25 year age bracket. 

In many jurisdictions, after care support services focus on continuing financial support for the young person, assistance with securing and retaining accommodation, emotional support and mentoring, and referral to other agencies.  Mendes [2009(a)] advocates the importance of mentoring for young people given that care leavers are often socially excluded from mainstream social and economic systems. 

The AHURI report also points to the importance of relationships with others as an important resource for young people, particularly those on a volatile pathway (p.3).  The research highlights that the breakdown of housing was often a result of some form of relationship breakdown, with significant implications for work, education and social participation.  Similarly, the report describes post-care accommodation arrangements for young people that are not supported by child protection authorities as ‘problematic’ (p.67).

Another key component as identified by Maunders et al (1999) is the ability of the young person to stay in contact with carers and/or departmental workers.

The CREATE Report Card 2009 refers to the Leaving Care Policy recently introduced by the Department for Child Protection in Western Australia as an example of positive action supporting young people transitioning from out of home care to independence.  In relation to after care independence, this policy sets out criteria to determine when the process of leaving care can be considered as finalised, allowing for the provision of support to continue until age 25. 

Essentially, an effective after care independence phase requires that tailored support, as identified in the Transition Phase 2, continues beyond the age of 18 years, where required.  As stated in the AHURI report, there needs to be a ‘no closed door’ approach to give young people who experience problems after leaving care, the opportunity to re-access support and receive further assistance (p.61).  In order to implement this approach, governments and non-government organisations – both specialist and mainstream – the business sector and communities, must work in an integrated and coordinated way that fosters engagement and assists the young person to develop the skills and resilience for a productive adulthood.

A mapping of the core elements and responsibilities for the After Care Independence Phase is at Attachment D2.