Page 510 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
youth allowance payments. A number of pieces of research undertaken highlight that support to this group of young people transitioning from care may be needed beyond the age of 18.
Carers, peak bodies and service providers have also provided very useful positive feedback on the proposed model outlined in the discussion paper and suggestions on other ways of improving support to this group of young people. Many of the submissions raised similar issues.
A summary of responses to the discussion paper and the consultation process has now been prepared and is currently being circulated to the respondents. It is available on the DHCS website. The next steps are to finalise a new framework, and the feedback we have received will inform the development of this new framework. We need to note that the department is yet to finalise the extent of the framework, as it is still being worked through. The framework will consider such things as accommodation needs, assistance with education and training and assistance in accessing health services and equipping people for employment. Pivotal to the success of the new framework will be ensuring that young people are listened to and that services are integrated and customised to meet their needs.
A new framework will be based on a model of service delivery that provides flexible options to meet the individual needs of young people while they are in care and as they transition from care to independent living. The framework will deliver a continuum of services for young people which incorporates improved planning for young people well before they leave care so that their thoughts and wishes are considered. The framework will also have an emphasis on improved coordination of services for young people to ensure that they have timely access to services to meet their vocational, educational and health needs.
Much of this will be achieved through the establishment of protocols—and the work is already underway—between relevant government and non-government agencies that agree to priority of access for young people transitioning from care to essential services such as Centrelink allowances, mental health services, dentistry and vocational guidance. It is also important to ensure that all agencies are aware of the particular needs of this group.
To progress this work, DHCS is now looking at how it can better support young people, planning for their transition and supporting them. This includes refining our internal processes and practices to make sure that we are more in tune with the needs of this group and that we support them, should that be the final determination of the framework, beyond the age of 18.
The government already provides a number of services to young people and families through the $8.4 million provided for services from the non-government sector in the youth services and family support programs. Other work within DHCS relates to the improvement of housing options for young people and measures to reduce homelessness in the ACT. These pieces of work link to the continuum of services needed to support young people moving into independent living and will be part of the framework.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video