Young People Transitioning from Out-of-Home Care to Adulthood

This report reviews policy and program approaches related to young people transitioning from out-of-home care (OOHC) to adulthood in Australia and internationally. It outlines the challenges faced by these individuals, including high risks of homelessness, unemployment, and involvement with the criminal justice system. The document details the negative cumulative effects of experiences before, during, and after care on their ability to transition successfully. It identifies key reforms necessary to improve outcomes for care leavers, such as enhancing the quality of care, ensuring placement stability, and providing continued access to aftercare support. The report also discusses various policy frameworks at both national and state levels, along with international approaches from countries like the United Kingdom and the United States. It concludes with implications for policy and practice development, including a proposed six-point plan aimed at improving the transition experience for young people leaving OOHC in New South Wales.