NSW Government refuses to budge on cutting support to kids in care at 18

NSW is committed to remaining the only state that stops financially supporting children in care on their 18th birthday.

NSW is the only state that stops financially supporting vulnerable children in care on their 18th birthday with the government not planning to join the majority anytime soon.

Every other state supports children in care until they reach the age of 21 in line with other countries including England and Canada — apart from Queensland, which is reviewing its current system of support that ends at 19.

Despite men and women on average leaving home around the age of 23 and 24 in Australia, Create chief executive officer Jacqui Reed said the state government was “not open for discussion” on the topic.

Matthew Krishna, 18, fears what his life would have turned out like if he was not currently supported. Picture: Richard Dobson

The foundation acts as a voice for young people in care.

“To kick kids out who are the most vulnerable and who have been abused and neglected at age 18 is a blight on our society,” Ms Reed said.

In NSW, about 1200 young people exit care each year according to figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, which includes foster care and residential living.

A 2018 Deloitte study commissioned by HomeStretch — who advocate to extend foster care — found increasing care to the age of 21 would save the state $2.10 for every $1 spent.

It found the move would reduce rates of hospitalisations, interactions with the criminal justice system and alcohol and drug dependence.

Matthew Krishna, 18, feared what his life would be like if he was not part of the lucky 2.5 per cent of NSW kids leaving care accepted into a new residential program, which will help him until he is 22.

“The instability of being in care and the lack of support … how are we supposed to be cut off at 18 and stay afloat without someone looking out for us?” Mr Krishna said.

He is one of 53 residents with their own studio in the Chippendale building, Foyer, which is a philanthropic-funded centre that opened its doors in March, this year.

Family, Communities and Disability Services Minister, Alister Henskens, said children who demonstrated a need for ongoing support can be provided help until 25.

Minister for Family, Communities and Disability Services, Alister Henskens, Picture: Joel Carratt

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting young people leaving out-of-home care and is strengthening the quality of support it provides,” Mr Henskens said.

“Planning for young people to transition to independence starts when they are 15 years old and focuses on creating a tailored plan that reflects their goals, needs and capacity and provides appropriate support to ensure they have the skills they need as they move into the next phase of their lives.”