Victorian foster children should receive support until the age of 21 government agrees
Hundreds of foster children in Victoria could potentionally remain in care until they turn 21, with the state government pledging support for a crossbencers push to increase age of care from 18.
VIC News
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Foster care could be extended from 18 to 21 years in Victoria with the state government pledging support in principle for the idea.
Reason MP Fiona Patten has put a private members Bill to the upper house to extend the age of care, which will directly benefit hundreds of children who are financially cut off on their 18th birthday.
Health Minister Jenny Mikakos pledged public support for the concept, however will not be supporting the private member’s bill in the upper house.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan said the government was already carrying out $11.6 million trial that gives about 250 young Victorians the option of staying in care until the age of 21.
“We introduced Home Stretch last year and our Better Futures program because we know we’ve got to do a better job of supporting young people as they leave care,” he said.
“We’ve also set up the Home Stretch Youth Expert Advisory Group, as well as a Ministerial Youth Advisory Group, to better understand what additional support is needed now, and into the future.”
Ms Patten welcomed the support for the change.
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“As I have said before this issue is a no-brainer – it will save the state money, but more importantly it will save lives. It breaks the intergenerational cycle of kids in care.
“This yet again shows that small parties can make a big difference in parliament”
Home Stretch Chair Paul McDonald said the reforms were common sense and would make a huge difference to the lives of many young people if adopted state wide.
“I commend the Andrews Government for its early embrace of the Home Stretch reforms,” he said.
“Extending support for formalised care to the age of 21 can halve youth homelessness for this vulnerable group, as well as doubling the likelihood of further education and employment. “Ultimately it will save government money on providing social services such as emergency housing which can be prevented by this reform – as well as giving young people a better transition to adulthood.”