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Moving from dependence to independence: A study of the experiences of 18 care leavers in a leaving care and after care support service in Victoria

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 February 2016

Philip Mendes
Philip Mendes*
Affiliation:
Department of Social Work, Monash University, PO Box 197, Caulfield East, Vic 3145, Email: Philip.Mendes@med.monash.edu.au
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Abstract

Young people leaving state out-of-home care are arguably one of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in society. Many have been found to experience significant health, social and educational deficits. In recent years, most Australian States and Territories have introduced specialist leaving care and after care programs and supports, but there has been only limited examination of the effectiveness of these programs. This paper examines the experiences of a group of young people involved in the leaving care and after care support program introduced by St Luke's Anglicare and Whitelion in the Victorian town of Bendigo. Attention is drawn to the impact of some of the key program initiatives around accommodation, employment and mentoring. Some conclusions are drawn about ‘what works’ in leaving care programs, including particular implications for rural policy and practice.

Type
Research Article
Information
Children Australia , Volume 35 , Issue 1 , 2010 , pp. 14 - 21
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010

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