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    Group of young girls leaving care

    Improving outcomes for young people leaving care

    Summary

    • Care services, previously known as out-of-home care, is a temporary, medium or long-term living arrangement for young people who cannot live in their family home
    • MCM provides a range of supports for young people to avoid care services and statutory systems, and supports to help those leaving care to transition to adult independence.
    • Services are provided for young young people aged 16 to 21 years 

    Leaving care and navigating the process can be challenging for young people. MCM is here to help make the transition to independence and adulthood easier so young people can set themselves up for the future.

    MCM offers a range of supports in this area, including strengthening relationships to help avoid care services, leaving care, and post care services. 

    Avoiding care services and statutory systems

    We know that family breakdowns can happen to anyone. And in some cases, a rapid response is needed to strengthen relationships to reduce the likelihood of a young person being placed in care services. Our Finding Solutions and Finding Solutions Plus programs are designed to help a young person remain or return to their parents when it’s safe to do so, preventing care services and strengthening family relationships.

    More information about these services can be found on our preventative services page.

    Leaving care

    • Building independent living skills in supported accommodation

    The Community Integration and Accommodation Options (CIAO) provides accommodation and support services to young people aged 15 to 18. It aims to help build skills that will be needed in the transition to independent living after CIAO.

    Young people reside with a lead tenant who acts as a mentor throughout the program. Visit our accommodation section for more information.

    • Financial help

    Through the Transition into Independent Living Allowance (TILA) program, young people can receive once-off financial support of up to $1,500. This funding is used to cover costs relating to the transition to independence, such as furniture for a new home or further education and training. Visit our TILA page for more information.

    • Advice and referral service

    A central hub is available for young people who are about to leave care in Victoria. The Better Futures Intake and Access (formerly known as Leaving Care Hotline) is run by Frontyard and provides advice and referrals to a number of support services.

    The hotline is available 9am to 8pm weekdays and 10am to 6pm on weekends and public holidays on 1300 532 846. Visit our Frontyard Leaving care page for more information.

    Post care services

    Better Futures is a new post care program supporting care leavers across a range of life areas including housing, education & employment, health and wellbeing and cultural connection services. Visit our Better Futures page for more information.

      

    MCM places people at the centre of what we do

    MCM acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the waterways and lands where we work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

    We commit to ensuring everyone we work with is safe, empowered, supported and respected, especially children and young people. We support and celebrate diversity of race, culture, ability, gender, sexuality and gender identity.

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