Know your rights
http://www.lawstuff.org.au/nsw_law/topics/
What's the Plan? Living in New South Wales
In NSW, the Children and Young Person’s (Care and Protection) Act 1998 and the Guidelines on the provision of assistance after leaving out-of-home care say the Department Family and Community Services must ensure a young person is provided with help and planning in their transition from being a child in care to independence and adulthood. www.community.nsw.gov.au/docswr/_assets/main/documents/oohc_ministerial_guidelines.pdf
So how do I get a plan? Who is responsible for leaving care planning?
Case workers are responsible for developing your leaving care plan with you. If you don’t have an assigned case worker contact your local Community Service Centre (your FACS Office), or your placement provider to say you’d like to start planning for leaving care.
Department of Family and Community Services, Community Services
How long does a plan last?
Planning should begin from at least age 17. If you have a disability, planning should start by at least 16 years old. Your final leaving care plan will last for the duration of your transition to independence (until you reach 25).
What happens if I want to do something different and it is already in my plan?
Your plan should describe the supports in place for you leading up to and after you leave care, and who is responsible. If you have left care, and you need extra support that’s not in your plan, you can go back and ask for help until you reach the age of 25. Contact your local Community Service Centre or your last placement provider.
What if I have tried to get a plan but it is not happening? (making a complaint)
Sometimes these things take time. However, your plan is VERY important! If you have not had a response within a week, you could try writing your worker a letter, sending an email or ringing them. It’s good to keep records of how you tried to contact your worker and the date. If your worker has not contacted you to set a meeting time within a month you should ask to speak with a Team Leader or Manager, telling them the steps you’ve taken, and saying you would like their help to set a date for planning. If after all of this you still have not been involved in developing your transition plan then you can give feedback or make a complaint to:
Department of Human Services, Community Services - Complaints Department
NSW Ombudsman – Community Services Division
What's TILA?
The Transition to Independent Living Allowance (TILA) is a national, one-off payment of up to $1500 that helps young people 15 to 25 years old who have been in care or have exited. Ask your case worker for more information on how to apply or contact Southern Youth and Family Service.
Southern Youth and Family Service (SYFS)
What other supports should I know about?
After Care Services
These specialists after care services provide support to young people after they have left care.
Leaving Care Program - Aging Disability and Home Care (ADHC)
If you are a young person with a disability you may be eligible for support from Aging Disability and Home Care (ADHC).
For more information, referral or advice contact us - CREATE Foundation