Every young person that is due to leave care should do so in a planned and supported manner to enable a successful and sustainable transition.
Young people should have:
- ongoing opportunities over time to develop independent living skills
- involvement in decision making
- a 15+ care and transition plan
- a referral to the Better Futures at 15 years and 9 months
- essential documentation, possessions and life records.
Members of the young person's care team share responsibility for the preparation of the young person for independent living.
When a young person in care reaches 15 years of age, the Looking After Children 15 plus Assessment and Progress Record and the 15 plus Care and Transition Plan must be completed as 'living documents' designed to reflect the young person's aspirations and needs.
More information on transition is available in the Child Protection Manual including:
- Policies and Procedures, Out-of-home care, Leaving care
- Advice and protocols, Leaving care - advice
- Out-of-home care and Looking after children forms (including 15 plus Care and transition form).
For more information, see Care and transition planning for leaving care: Victorian Practice Framework (word).
Leaving care planning for young people eligible for NDIS
The leaving care planning for young people eligible for NDIS is a guide designed to support case managers in the development of Looking After Children 15+ Care and Transition Plans for young people in out-of-home care who are eligible for supports under the NDIS.
You can also refer to resources developed to assist Child FIRST, Integrated Family Services, Child Protection and care services to engage effectively with the NDIS and to provide the best outcomes for children and families.
See Working with the NDIS for more information.