The much-anticipated Transition to Adulthood Month (T2A Month) kicks off today and is celebrated across Queensland throughout November.
T2A Month sheds light on the exciting and yet daunting road to adulthood that many young care leavers face, and unites the sector to empower young people with the knowledge, skills, support and resources they need to successfully transition into adulthood and independent living.
Each year, more than 600 young people across Queensland make the transition from out-of- home care to living independently.
However only 58.7% of young people felt they received the support they needed exiting care (Queensland Government My Life in Care Survey 2022).
CREATE’s own research found that 1 in 3 young people leaving out-of-home care experience homelessness at some stage within their first year after leaving care (37% of these for 6 months or more), and around similar numbers also experience unemployment (29%) and difficulties completing education. (McDowall, 2020)
“We know that the process of leaving out-of-home care can be very challenging for some young people as they try to navigate complex systems to access housing, education and employment, often without adequate support from a trusted adult,” said CREATE CEO Jacqui Reed.
“Recent measures in Queensland designed to boost support for care leavers up to the age of 21 were a great first step, and we eagerly await feedback from young people to determine if it is enough.”
Reed highlighted that CREATE would like to see the new Extended Post Care Support Package extended to all care leavers up to 21 so that all young people receive the financial and other supports they need, regardless of whether they turned 18 before 1 July 2023.
“We’d also like to see housing supports extended up to 25 years and the introduction of a specialised mentoring program being developed by CREATE for young people with a care experience to offer more intensive guidance with navigating the challenges of adulthood.”
CREATE Foundation extends its gratitude to all the organisations across Queensland who have contributed to this year’s T2A month planning and events. These include YFS, Logan City Council, The Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services, PeakCare, Next Step Plus, Churches of Christ and Life Without Barriers.