The NSW government has announced universal extended care to 21 years for young people in state care (from February 2023). We are thrilled to have played a small part in this.
Campaigning across the country for the leaving care age to be lifted from 18 to 21 years of age has been significant. Many States have committed to further support for young people and over the weekend 5/6 November 2022 NSW joined the other State and Territories by committing to extending the supports currently in place for up to 18 year old to up to 21 years old young people. This age extension of 3 years will make a direct difference to young people in foster care and we look forward to making this work for our young people.
We would like to recognise Alex who is one of our young people and thank him and all the young people involved in the campaign for speaking up. We couldn’t have done it without you.
‘We thank all the young people, those with lived experience and others, who championed this effort. Ensuring young people in care have a fair, equitable, robust and real opportunity for all that life brings is what we all strive for’.
Justene Gordon, CEO, The Burdekin Association
About
The Home Stretch campaign, launched in 2015 advocating for the leaving care arrangements for young people in State care to be extended from 18 to 21 nationally. With NSW’s commitment, Home Stretch is the most significant child welfare reform in a generation, now supported in every Australian state or territory.
Timeline
NSW government media release: Support for care leavers in NSW makes history
Home Stretch media release: NSW Government commitment locks in most significant child welfare reform in a generation
CREATE Foundation media release: CREATE APPLAUDS HISTORIC MOMENT AS NSW GOV MAKES IT 21!
Natasha Maclaren-Jones MLC made this historic announcement, congratulations to all involved including the NSW OOHC sector and everyone – especially the young people – who have advocated for this reform. Together, we did it! We #madeit21! Congratulations also to the Chair of Home Stretch and CEO of Anglicare Victoria Paul McDonald for his tireless work.
Media coverage:
- Pro Bono Australia: NSW extends state care for young people
- Sydney Morning Herald: Bumpy ride to independent living’: Foster care extended to 21 in NSW
- The Advocate: NSW lifts foster care support age to 21
- ABC News: NSW extends the age a person can stay in foster care from 18 to 21
Read other posts from Burdekin about this campaign:
