Leaving Care Program

VACCA’s Leaving Care Program was established in 2006 in response to research showing that young people leaving care are at greater risk of homelessness and are often culturally isolated.  The Indigenous Leaving Care program focuses on supporting young Indigenous people leaving care (residential care, foster care or lead tenant) to develop the skills and establish the connections that will enable them to maintain safe and secure accommodation in the community.  This may involve the young person spending a period of time residing in transitional housing supported by the Leaving Care Caseworker.

 

Our staff will:

• Provide assessment, referral services and case managed transitional support to the young person.
• Provide a range of services to the young person such as counselling, crisis resolution and assistance in personal care.
• Focus on enabling access to secure and safe housing after leaving care.
• Provide cultural support and guidance to young people leaving out-of-home care so as to enhance the young person’s connection with their culture.
• Strengthen the links between the young person and their family.
• Provide support to young people that return home after leaving care that focuses on the young person and inclusive of their family.
• Work with key services in providing a comprehensive support and after care plan for young people who have left their care placement
• Provide links to educational and vocational opportunities.
• Ensure client access to community supports and entitlements.
• Enable young people who have left care to maintain their links with significant adults.