Spotlight on state care
Dr Philip Mendes
Young people leaving state care are one of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in society according to a new publication which will be released this month by Monash University.
The publication, titled Young People leaving state out-of-home care: a research-based study of Australian policy and practice, shows that approximately 2700 young people aged 15-17 years leave care each year, many becoming reliant on Australia’s income security, health and welfare, homeless, criminal justice and other crisis intervention systems.
In a keynote address to the Australian Institute of Family Studies today, Dr Philip Mendes, Department of Social Work at Monash University discussed the major issues associated with youth leaving state care.
“The reasons for their disadvantage are very simple – many have experienced and are still recovering from physical, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect prior to entering care.
“Whilst in state care, many young people have experienced inadequacies including poor-quality care-givers, and constant shifts of placement, carers, schools and workers,” said Dr Mendes.
“Many young people experience an abrupt end to their state care around 16-18 years of age. The state as a corporate parent fails to provide ongoing financial, social and emotional support and as a result many people leaving state care face significant barriers to accessing the same educational and developmental opportunities provided to other young Australians.”
The study, led by Dr Mendes, focused on a ‘leaving care model’ – a strategy that aims to improve the quality of state care by involving supportive carers who help young people overcome damaging or pre-care experiences of abuse or neglect, and providing a safe transition from care.
“Through our research we have examined the factors that contribute to poor outcomes for many care leavers, identifying best practice examples of successful policies and programs from around the globe,” said Dr Mendes.
The book shows that a leaving care model should factor in the age of those leaving care, bringing the minimum age to at least 18 years and above. The model should incorporate preventative programs for drugs and substance abuse, support for physical and mental health needs and positive opportunities for education and training experiences.
“This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. Given the small number of care leavers in any one year, this new model could provide substantial social and economic gains for both the young people concerned and the broader Australian community,” said Dr Mendes.
An edited version of Dr Mendes' speech, Towards better outcomes: A Social Investment Model of Support for young people transitioning from out-of-home care is available here.
The publication Young People leaving state out-of-home care: a research-based study of Australian policy and practice is available through Australian Scholarly Publishing.