State Government announces Home Stretch trial to extend foster care until 21

HUNDREDS of young Victorians will remain in foster care until they are 21 under a $11.6 million boost to extend the program for up to three years.

HUNDREDS of young Victorians will remain in foster care until they are 21, extending the program by up to three years.

The state government on Tuesday announced $11.6 million over five years to roll out the Home Stretch program and extend care allowances for foster and kinship carers from mid-next year.

It will give about 250 young Victorians the option of staying in care until the age of 21.

FUNDING BOOST FOR SOCIAL SERVICES

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Hundreds of Victorian children spend each night in foster care. Generic picture: Getty

The government’s announcement comes after years of campaigning from organisations in the foster care sector, and similar changes in South Australia and Tasmania.

About 700 Aussie teenagers leave foster care at age 18 each year, and it is thought half become homeless, unemployed or tangled in the youth justice system.

It also follows a state Opposition promise, if elected in November, to fund a two-year pilot of the Home Stretch program, with 75 places a year.

Home Stretch chair Paul McDonald said extending foster care until 21 was a landmark decision.

Media Release.
A great day for young people in state care! We applaud the Victorian government's announcement to extend care to 21 years in Victoria. It’s a landmark decision that will make a real difference to 250 yp over 5 years. https://t.co/kNOsmuOJfo #MakeIt21

— The Home Stretch (@The_HomeStretch) September 25, 2018

“It is the most important reform in this area for many years,” Mr McDonald said.

“Research shows that giving young people the option of an extra three years in care will halve youth homelessness and double education and employment outcomes for young people.’’

Families and Children Minister Jenny Mikakos said leaving wasn’t easy for young people who had spent their entire lives in care.

“Every dollar we spend on supporting young people as they prepare to leave care, we get repaid in spades — they will do better and contribute more to our community,” she said.

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