The Transitioning to Independence Process

Maunders et al. (1999) in a report to the National Youth Affairs Research Scheme (NYARS),4 recommended that:

‘effective models of support must take account of the need to provide a continuum of care for children so that they can make a graduated transition from care to increasing independence as they mature and grow.’

Maunders et al. proposed a general model including three components:

1. Preparation through:
   • a high quality, stable system of care;
   • improved case practice and planning;
   • a flexible support continuum which emphasises interdependence, i.e. the notion that well-functioning adults continue to receive support from others.
2. Transition through:
   • assistance for young people to develop personal and social networks;
   • provision of effective support and living skills programs;
   • provision of essential and appropriate information to young people about their past, and their options for the future;
   • the involvement of suitable mentors.
3. After care offering:
   • continuing access to support, resources and interest from care agencies.

The implications of the research findings of Maunders et al.(1999), as documented in the NYARS report, is at Attachment C.  The NYARS report identified a number of recommendations relevant to each phase or component of the transitioning from out of home care to independence process.  These recommendations, together with those included in other research cited within this report, are being further considered within the context of this project.

Using the model described by Maunders et al. (1999) as the ‘ideal’ approach to transitioning from out of home care to independence, this paper further defines the essential elements of each component (or phase) from a holistic, ‘whole of system perspective’.