From strength to strength: supporting young people as they transition out of care in the ACT

Investigators

Associate Professor Tim Moore, Emeritus Professor Morag McArthur, Dr Sebastian Trew, Alex Cahill (Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University)

Funding

ACT Community Services Directorate

Aims

This project aimed to inform policy development by understanding the lived experiences of care leavers in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and exploring effective support models from other jurisdictions.

Background

Many young people transitioning from out-of-home care face significant challenges, including homelessness, mental health issues, and barriers to education and employment. While some care leavers navigate these challenges successfully, national and local priorities have shifted towards better supporting young people through this transition.

Project details

As part of the ACT Government work in developing its policy and practice responses to the needs of care leavers, it engaged the Institute of Child Protection Studies to undertake research into the experiences of young people who leave care. The aim was to capture the lived experience of young Canberrans who were preparing to, or have transitioned, from care, the observations of local stakeholders about 'what works' and the approaches taken by other Australian jurisdictions to improve outcomes. These findings aimed to inform the development of a model to support young people in the ACT.

Research questions

• What do young people need while in care to prepare for the transition to independence?
• What supports are available as they prepare to leave care, and how can these be improved?
• Who provides young people with support as they transition and leave care?
• What are the indicators of a successful transition?

Method

• Listening to young people: Interviews with young people preparing to or having transitioned from care in the ACT
• Sector consultations and scoping review: Literature review and focus groups with stakeholders to explore current support models and effective practices in other regions.

Key findings

1. Transition planning needs: Young people expressed mixed feelings about formal transition planning, preferring an informal, ongoing approach that outlines available support.
2. Developing life skills: Participants desired earlier skill-building, including cooking and personal finance, to foster confidence and readiness for independence.
3. Independence vs. interdependence: Young people called for gradual independence with consistent guidance, reducing "learned helplessness" and supporting decision-making.
4. Social connections: Disconnection from family and friends during care created isolation, highlighting the need for stronger support networks.
5. Post-transition support: Ongoing support after age 18 was emphasised, with participants suggesting a gradual tapering by age 25.
6. Stable housing and financial security: Young people advocated for financial relief in transitional housing to build stability post-care.

Projected community impact

The findings pose significant implications for policy and practice. They underscore the need for a care-leaving system in the ACT that provides long-term, tailored support, enabling young people's agency in their transitions. Prioritising interagency collaboration and trauma-informed mental health services are likely to enhance wellbeing outcomes for care leavers.

Publications

Moore, T., McArthur, M., Trew, S., & Cahill, A. (2023). I'm free but have no support: young people's experiences as they transition from care in the ACT. Canberra: Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University

Project timeline

Completed 2023

Contact

For more information contact: icps@acu.edu.au