Leaving and after care resources

Resources for all caseworkers

The Leaving care and after care Resources Pack (PDF, 1.1 MB) is a consolidated guide for caseworkers.

It provides high level practice advice with links to a comprehensive range of resources, information and forms.

The structure of the pack allows users to quickly access detailed information on the subject they want without having to navigate through the same level of information on other subjects.

The documents listed below all appear in the Resources Pack. Caseworkers who only want a specific document can still use those links but it is recommended that they check the Resources Pack to help identify additional supports available for care leavers. 

DCJ website resources (included in the Resources Pack)

• After Care Allowance Guidelines (PDF, 184.4 KB)
• Care Leavers' Charter of Rights
• Guidelines for the provision of assistance after leaving long term statutory out-of-home care (PDF, 154.4 KB)
  
• Independent Living Skills Checklist (PDF, 594.4 KB)
  Complete this with the young person, it is a good place to start the leaving care planning process
• Leading the way (PDF, 5.4 MB)
  A guide for carers to help prepare young people to leave care as independent adults
• Leaving and aftercare financial plans
  Examples of financial plans individually tailored for young people leaving care
• Living Arrangement - Caseworker Discussion Guide
  A guide to be used for discussing post 18 living arrangements with the carer and young person.
• Post Care Education Financial Support for Carers
• Work and Development Order factsheet
• Your Next Step (PDF, 5.5 MB)
  Information for young people as they transition from care to independence
• Transition to Independent Living Allowance in NSW (PDF, 37.2 KB).

Agency website resources

• The CREATE Foundation resources include the CREATE Your Future web site and Go Your Own Way Info Kit for young people aged 15 and above who are starting to plan for their transition to adulthood and independence.

The Youth Hub is a great resource providing information for 15–25 year olds who are, or have been, in care and encourages them to know their rights, plan for the future, and ask for support to help make informed decisions.

Practice tools to engage with young people and carers

Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) caseworkers have access to some great resources – such as these Practice Live short videos - to help them engage with young people:

• The Teen whisperer
• Principles of authentic engagement
• Family Finding
• Children and Young People’s Participation

Both DCJ and NGO caseworkers can also find valuable advice in Frames:12 fabulous ways of talking with young people – a comprehensive, practical guide about working with young people written by Peter Slattery.