Planning for your future
Leaving care is an exciting step towards independence.
Learn what goes into a leaving care plan and how to make one with your caseworker.
What does 'leaving care' mean?
'Leaving care' is a technical term that means you're no longer in the legal care of the Minister once you turn 18. However, it doesn’t mean you have to move out of where you’re living now.
Everyone’s situation is different. You can talk to your carer about what’s best for the both of you.
You should start thinking about your future goals when you turn 15.
This gives you time to talk to your caseworker, carer, residential staff or family about:
practising living skills
making decisions about your future
gaining all the information and support needed to put a plan together for when you transition from care.
Your leaving care plan is in place until you turn 25. It's there to provide ongoing support to help you transition to adulthood.
Your plan needs to be signed off by your non-government organisation (NGO) and Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) caseworker, so it’s best to start your preparation early.
This starts with a conversation about your goals, and what support you may need to reach them.
What goes in your leaving care plan
Even if you don’t know what you want in the future, it’s good to start thinking about:
Where you plan on living – this might be on your own, with a flatmate, in student accommodation or staying with your carer.
If you’d like to study after school – this could be getting a diploma, a university degree, an apprenticeship, or a traineeship.
Staying in touch or reaching out to family – how often you’d like to visit your birth parents, carers and siblings.
What support you may need – how to apply for support like the fortnightly Independent Living Allowance or the Staying on Allowance. The one-off Transition to Independent Living Allowance (TILA) can also help you with expenses like furniture, appliances, a driver’s license, or study expenses.
You should also think about:
having all your identification ready such as your birth certificate, proof of age and licence .
if you would like some driving lessons to help you get your licence .
getting your own bank account, or setting up your tax file number.
if you’re eligible for Youth Allowance or support through the Victims Support Scheme. If so, check to see if your caseworker has started the application process.
if you'd like ongoing counselling or another program to support you.
if you would like to access your care file to read more about your time in care when you're ready.
if you need support with any ongoing health or medical challenges.
how you plan to stay connected to your community, culture and language.