Award of Specialised Support Services for Young Adults Transitioning from Care

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DCSSDS awarded a contract to Youth Empowered Towards Independence Inc for specialised services and support to young adults transitioning from care.

The service provides culturally appropriate, proactive and practical support, including accessing and maintaining safe, secure and affordable housing; connecting or maintaining connections to family, culture, Country and community; accessing education and training opportunities and finding employment; learning budgeting and other independent living skills; accessing stable income or financial support to meet cost of living; improving health and wellbeing; facilitating referrals and advocating access to other resources and services, including specialist services for complex support needs; linking to opportunities that promote independence; taking young adults to appointments and connecting to formal or informal support networks (mentors or other safe community members) to assist in their journey to adulthood; and assertive outreach for those not previously engaged in approved placements, taking into account their experiences in the care system or difficulties engaging with formal supports.

The service also supports carer households to enable young adults to continue living in the carer household, including psycho-education, referrals that support carers’ wellbeing and other practical assistance.

Additionally, the service administers up to $16,000 per annum for young adults from their 18th to 21st birthdays if they leave care to live in their own independent housing arrangements.

The contract value is $1,919,306 and was procured through a limited process.