For young people 18-25 years

For detailed information about the study and to find out more about what is involved:

• watch the Study video
• read the invitation to an interview for 18-25 year olds (PDF, 404.8 KB)
• read the Information brochure for 18-25 year olds (PDF, 1.1 MB)
• read the letter of support from AbSec for Aboriginal participants (PDF, 539.1 KB)
• read the letter of support from CREATE (PDF, 146.9 KB)
• read the POCLS 2024 newsletter (PDF, 1.3 MB).

If you turned 18 years of age while in the Study, you may be invited to complete a questionnaire about how you are going. During 2025 we would like you to take part in another survey if you’re aged 18-25 years and you and/or your carer or parent have taken part in an interview when you were under 18. The interview will:

• Reflect on your experience of out-of-home care
• Explore your experience of support after turning 18 years old
• Continue to collect information about your outcomes across health, education, work and family/relationships.

If you agree to a voluntary interview, the trained interviewer will ask if you have any questions about the Study before you start. You will then be asked to sign the Information Statement and Consent Form. The face-to-face or online interview will take about 90 minutes.

To thank you for your contribution you will receive a $100 gift voucher.

You can withdraw your participation at any time and you don’t have to answer any question you do not want to. All your answers remain confidential.

Helpful resources and assistance

• DCJ Care Leavers Line - phone: 1800 994 686 or email: careleavers@dcj.nsw.gov.au
• NSW Government Youth Hub is a great place to find information
• Planning for your future and support after care - the DCJ website has information and resources 
• Staying on Allowance – young people staying with their carer are now eligible for the Staying on Allowance
• Independent Living Allowance – young people leaving out-of-home care may be eligible to receive a fortnightly payment until they reach 21 years of age.
• Transition to Independent Living Allowance (TILA) - the Australian Government also provides the TILA which young people can apply for with the support of their caseworker.
• DCJ’s Specialist Aftercare Program for eligible young people aged 17-24 years who need additional support and extra assistance. Call the DCJ Care Leavers Line.

Where you can get support

If participation in the Study raises any issues for you, please feel free to reach out to any of the following agencies for support. 

• CREATE Foundation: Phone: 1800 655 105 or 02 9267 0977
• DCJ Care Leavers Line: Phone: 1800 994 686 
• Lifeline Australia: Phone: 13 11 14
• 13Yarn: Phone: 13YARN (13 92 76)
• Beyond Blue: Phone: 1300 224 636.
• AbSec: Phone: (02) 9559 5299 

Please remember, if you have been part of this Study, please let the researchers know if you change your address or phone number so we can keep in contact with you:

• DCJ on pathways@dcj.nsw.gov.au or 1800 997 960, or
• Ipsos on 1800 105 088.