Know your rights
http://www.lawstuff.org.au/vic_law/topics/
What's the Plan? Living in Victoria
In Victoria the Children Youth and Families Act of 2005 and the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act of 2005 say the Secretary of the Department of Human 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. You can ask your caseworker to see this policy if you want to.
So how do I get a plan? Who is responsible for leaving care planning?
Case workers are responsible for developing your transition from care plan with you.
If you don’t have an assigned case worker you can still contact your local Department of Human Services office, or your placement provider to say you’d like to start planning for leaving care.
Department of Human Services
How long does a plan last?
Planning should begin at least 12 months prior to leaving care. Your final leaving care plan will last for the duration of your transition to independence (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 go back and ask for help until you reach the age of 21. Contact DHS 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 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.
The Office of the Child Safety Commissioner
Victorian Ombudsman
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 Children, Youth and Families Section of the DHS website (Look under 'care leavers')
Melbourne City Mission Leaving Care helpline
For young people aged 16-21 offering referral and information, case worker support and access to brokerage money for items such as accommodation, recreation, education and health.
Leaving care and post care services provide mentoring support services in most regions. The website below identifies where services are located and whether they provide mentoring.
Whitelion is the major mentoring services organisation in Victoria.
Disability
Your leaving care / case worker will be able to assist you to identify how to access specialist disability support workers and resources that you qualify for.
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For more information, referral or advice contact us - CREATE Foundation
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