Page 509 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 8 March 2011
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department talked with young people about their experiences. Written submissions were also received from peak bodies, service providers, youth organisations, carers, government agencies and statutory oversight bodies. I appreciate the effort and time taken by all these people to contribute to improving the support and services provided to this group of young people.
The consultation process generated some very informed comments and useful discussion on the proposed new framework of service delivery. Much of what we heard reinforces the research findings used to develop the discussion paper. Eleven major themes emerged, as did suggestions for building on our current arrangements to support services for young people transitioning from care into adult life.
Young people have told us that a successful transition from care was achieved when they had consistency in the people who helped them and when they were listened to, felt safe and had a sense of control over their lives and stability. Young people believed that a good transition to independent living was characterised by stable accommodation, good support services and receiving an education. Young people wanted their views to be sought, taken into account and acted upon whenever possible in regard to planning for their future.
Some told us that they wanted to be supported throughout their transition to adulthood and that this support should continue beyond the age of 18. They wanted greater opportunities to increase their living skills—to learn how to budget and manage their lives, how to cook, how to raise children—and to have assistance to learn how to fix a car or put together furniture and help to apply for training courses and financial assistance. These skills are often what people receive from families. Transition to adulthood and independent living represents challenges for all young people. We recognise that this group of young people have particular needs for additional information, support and assistance. We want to ensure that these young people receive the help they need during this time in their lives.
Young people have also told us that they would like improvements to the way they are communicated with. It should be acknowledged that young people have a different communication style and different needs. They expressed the need for workers who have these skills in communicating with adolescents.
Another significant issue raised by young people—in fact, across all submissions—is the need to consider the change to the age limit when individualised support for young people ceases. Extending the age limit for young people beyond 18 is something that this government will consider. Individuals will vary in the level of support they need. Some young people will require very little support after they turn 18; however, a small number of young people may require continuing guidance and support. As young people gain more experience and maturity, their need for support should reduce.
The type of support provided for young people transitioning from care varies across jurisdictions. In other states and territories there is a difference in the age limit for providing support to young people transitioning from care. In New South Wales and Western Australia it is 25; in Victoria it is 21. It is worth noting that the commonwealth government uses up to the age of 25 as the age of entitlement for
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