"It makes you feel like disposable, like you're an object in some ways," she said.Out-of-home care supports for young people in the child protection system stop at age 18
"It meant that I could actually be a normal teenager, and that's something that I hadn't had for a very long time," she said.The system also creates difficulties for carers, who no longer receive financial and other supports. "Of course they keep the child or young person, if they can, in their care, but financially it's a real strain, or a stress."A program launched by the Victorian Government is changing that, with care to be extended until young people reach 21 years of age.
The Home Stretch advocacy group has been pushing for care to be extended, and chairman Paul McDonald said Victoria's move was historic.
My mum was on a widow's pension when I was doing my HSC which I didn't finish until I was 19 1/2. Her pension was cut when I turned 18 (before there was any such thing as youth allowance/austudy). I ceased to exist. I finished my schooling, but it was incredibly tough.
Adolescenct development continues until 25. Doctors and educators recognise this. All young people benefit from scaffolding and support as they transition to full adulthood. Those who have been marginalised or lack a solid support structure all the more so