Did you know that each year thousands of young Australians who have grown up in foster care turn 18 and their living arrangements cease to be supported by the government? Consequently 35 percent experience homelessness after turning 18. Whilst young people in the general community continue living with their parents to an average age of 23 to 24, those who have been in care are forced to rely on the kindness of foster carers or try their luck with housing systems. The questions for our nations politicians – is this something you expect for your own children?
In November of 2019, CREATE held the Voices in Action: Nothing About Us Without Us Conference. The conference focused on three key priorities for change that were identified through consultations with children and young people in the development of CREATE’s 2018-2021 Strategic Plan. Transitioning from care was one of these priorities, and through the topic’s presentations, panels and workshops we saw young people, carers and sector professionals come together to call for extending support until 21. These photos and videos show their calls to #makeit21.
ACT – Rachel Stephen-Smith
stephen-smith@act.gov.au
GPO Box 1020, Canberra, ACT 2601
NSW – Gareth Ward
kiama@parliament.nsw.gov.au
102 Terralong Street, Kiama, 2535
NT – Dale Wakefield
minister.wakefield@nt.gov.au
GPO Box 1534, Alice Springs, NT 0871
QLD – Di Farmer
childsafety@ministerial.qld.gov.au
Locked Bag 3405, Brisbane, QLD 4001
SA – Rachel Sanderson
minister.sanderson@sa.gov.au
GPO Box 1838, Adelaide, SA 5001
TAS – Roger Jaensch
minister.jaensch@dpac.tas.gov.au
80B Wilson Street, Burnie, TAS, 7320
VIC – Luke Donnellan
minister.donnellan@dhhs.vic.gov.au
Level 22, 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
WA – Simone McGurk
Minister.McGurk@dpc.wa.gov.au
8th Floor, Dumas House, 2 Havelock Street, West Perth WA 6005
a. Talk about why you support #makeit21
b. Ask your politician to change the law so that young people can stay in a home supported by the care system until 21
c. Talk about any personal experience you have of this issue
d. Refer to some of the evidence and research in the “Learn More’ section of this page
e. You can also download and use our sample letter!
Add your voice to thousands of other Australians calling for governments ensure young people transitioning from care are given the same opportunities as other young people in the community. Sign the Home Stretch pertition!
This website was built in consultation with children and young people with a care experience. Thank you to all the young people involved in providing feedback and sharing your insights throughout this process.
CREATE acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands on which we all live and work. We pay our respects to the elders past, present and emerging.
National Office – Sydney
12 Union Street
PARRAMATTA NSW 2150
Phone: (02) 9267 1999
Email: create@create.org.au
ABN 69 088 075 058
National Office – Brisbane
Level 1, 3 Gregory Terrace
PO Box 105
SPRING HILL QLD 4004
Phone: (07) 3062 4860
Email: create@create.org.au
