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What is extended care?
Understanding Youth Transition: The Need for Extended Care
Every year, around 3,900 adolescents between the ages of 15-17 transition out of care across the nation (AIHW 2022). Many are not ready for independent living by 18, especially those in foster care with a trauma background. This period often coincides with their high school graduation, making the leap to higher education or the workforce even more daunting.
Australia's Response: The Introduction of Extended Care
By the end of 2022, all Australian states and territories pledged to roll out some form of extended care. This initiative allows young individuals to either continue in, or in certain regions, return to care until they're 21. The aim? To offer a smoother transition into adulthood and to give the child welfare system more time to establish a nurturing support system.
The Benefits of Extended Care
Studies show that extending support into early adulthood can have a profoundly positive impact on those in care. It offers them more time to hone essential life skills, build relationships, and secure resources. This approach mirrors the consistent support most families provide in the wider community (OECD, 2022). The average age at which young Australians leave their family home has been rising, reaching around 24 years for both genders by 2020.
Insights from Deloitte Access Economics
Deloitte's assessment of extended care in NSW, Victoria, and Queensland brought to light the challenges many faced due to previous policies. Their findings also highlighted the success of extended care programs in the USA and UK. Their analysis found that extending care to age 21 is estimated to generate a return of $2 for every $1 spent. This represents a significant economic saving in Australia, thanks to improved education and employment rates, reduced homelessness, and overall health and social improvements.
The Road Ahead: Evaluating Extended Care Models
An urgent preliminary evaluation is necessary to ascertain best practices, determine whether the policy is being executed as planned, assess its effectiveness, and enhance the design and outcomes of government policy.
A Note from Homestretch
35% of young people become homeless in the first year of leaving care, underscoring the vital importance of support systems like extended care.
