YOUNG people in care will be supported until they are 21 due to recent amendments to Victoria’s child protection system, which will refocus on earlier intervention and prevention.
The legal changes will also strengthen the rights of the child and involve legislating Victoria’s Home Stretch program.
Mallee Accommodation and Support Program (MASP) acting manager for children, youth and families Andrew Ball welcomed the changes and said the initiative would bridge the gap for young people leaving the out-of-home care system.
“Not only will Home Stretch support young people to continue residing within their foster care, kinship care or permanent care placements until their 21st birthday, but they will receive additional support for their transition to independent living as well as access to education, employment, health and wellbeing support and community connection,” Mr Ball said.
“A major hurdle for young people exiting the care system is homelessness.
“Due to the shortage of available and affordable housing options, young people often find themselves couch-surfing or without somewhere safe to stay.
“Left with no other choice, young people may place themselves in dangerous situations in exchange for a roof over their head.”
Under the scheme, young people who leave residential, foster, kinship and other forms of care when they are legally able will be eligible for an allowance to help them become established as adults.
Children in care will also have a greater say in planning their future, allowing for new child protection reports to be filed on at-risk 17-year-olds, while new protections will be added for people who make reports about child sexual abuse within institutions.
Improvements will also be made to reduce the number of Aboriginal children in care, including allowing Aboriginal- controlled organisations to lead the response to reports.
Mr Ball said for young people who were still in the system, foster carers were highly valued and always needed.
“Agencies are always on the lookout for foster carers who can provide all types of care – emergency, respite, short term and long-term,” he said.
“At the moment we are really in need of carers who can provide emergency and long-term care, as well as those who are willing to take on children with some challenging behaviours.”
People interested in becoming a foster carer, should contact a local agency for a conversation.
Foster carers face a series of background checks and two days’ training, followed by interviews and an assessment panel.
For local assistance in the Mildura and Mallee region, call Mallee Accommodation and Support Program, 5021 6500, or Mallee District Aboriginal Services, 03 5018 4100.
