Know your rights
http://www.lawstuff.org.au/qld_law/topics/
What's the Plan? Living in Queensland
In Qld the Child Protection Act 1999 and the Child Safety Practice Manual (Chapter 5) say the Department of Communities must ensure a young person is provided with help and planning in their transition from being a child in care to independence to adulthood. www.childsafety.qld.gov.au/practicemanual
So how do I get a plan? Who is responsible for leaving care planning?
Your Child Safety Officer (CSO) is responsible for developing your transition from care plan with you. If you don’t have an assigned CSO you can still contact your local Child Safety Services Centre, your carer or youth worker (if you have one) to say you’d like to start planning for leaving care.
Child Safety Services
How long does a plan last?
Planning should begin from at least age 15. The final leaving care plan will last for the duration of your transition to independence, with some supports available until you reach 21.
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 apply for a Support Service Case – ask your CSO about these. Another source of help might be Youth Housing and Reintegration Service (YHARS) - including Aftercare Services (their details are listed below).
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 up 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 this you still have not been involved in developing your transition plan then you could give feedback or make a complaint to either:
Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian
Ombudsman Queensland
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 about how to apply or contact Southern Youth and Family Service.
Southern Youth and Family Service (SYFS)
What other supports should I know about?
The Department of Communities website (Look under 'foster care' then 'children and young people', 'transitioning from care')
Youth Housing and Reintegration Service (YHARS) including After Care Services
YHARS can assist young people at risk of homelessness, 12-20 years of age, by providing low rent housing and case management. Young people who have left care can access brokerage money to help reach their goals. It can be for a bond, TAFE/uni fees, computer, buying household goods etc. Ask your CSO to make a referral or contact the Office for Youth to find out where your local service is and if you're eligible.
Disability and Community Care Services Queensland
If you are a young person with a disability you may be eligible for support from Disability and Community Care Services Queensland.
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For more information, referral or advice contact us - CREATE Foundation
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