Fact sheet July 2015

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The Leaving Care Program The Leaving Care Program (Program) supports young people with disability to transition from the parental responsibility of the Minister for Family and Community Services to live as independently as possible within the community.

The Program is managed by the Department of Family and Community Services (FACS), which supports people with disability to realise their potential.

The Program aims to: reduce the number of young people with disability leaving out-of-home care who are

at risk of becoming homeless, or are involved in or at risk of becoming involved in, the criminal justice system

increase the person’s skills and maximise their engagement in activities that improve quality of life, economic participation, independence, health and well being.

The Program is voluntary and can provide flexible support that may be linked to accommodation and opportunities for skill building, social, economic and community participation.

Program objectives

The needs of young people with disability leaving care can be variable, ranging from low to very complex. It is acknowledged that some young people’s needs alter after they leave care, whilst others will require a consistent model of support into adulthood.

The following principles inform the development and delivery of all services for young people under the LCP: Young people should leave care in a planned and supported manner with referral to

the Program from 15 years of age and transition planning commencing from 16 years of age.

Young people access support in line with their individual plans – young people are the drivers of these plans.

Young people access services that are individualised, planned, flexible and targeted to their individual and changing needs.

As young people mature and their skills increase or their needs change, their levels of supports and funding are reviewed (at least annually) in recognition of their changing support needs.

Young people are able to move between accommodation options and support

Fact sheet July 2015

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services as their needs and circumstances change.

Supports are designed and delivered in culturally appropriate and competent ways for Aboriginal young people and young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Eligibility and referral

Referrals must be made by Community Services (or the delegated Out of Home Care Case Manager) through Information and Referral1. Referrals should be made when the young person reaches 15 years of age.

Eligibility criteria apply to this program. A young person is eligible if they: 1. are a permanent resident of NSW and

2. are under court ordered Parental Responsibility of the NSW Minister for Family and Community Services and

3. are considered by Community Services to be likely, at the age 18 years, unable to:

a) return to their birth family2

b) be restored to their family home though significant case work and service interventions have been provided

c) remain in foster care without ongoing assistance

and 4. have a disability as defined by the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 and 5. require the kind of assistance available through the LCP as a result of their disability

and are unable to obtain this from other sources and 6. provide consent for the kinds of supports and accept the parameters applicable to

the Program.

FACS Information and Referral will assess the young person’s eligibility to access the Program. If the person does not meet the eligibility criteria, FACS will provide information and advice about where the young person can get support.

1 http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/contact_us 2 A family consisting of one’s biological parents, as opposed to adoptive parents and offspring

Fact sheet July 2015

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Program and funding management

Program and funding management is undertaken by FACS disability services. The delegated FACS officer approves program entries, allocation of funding packages, entry into supported accommodation and client exits and movements.

Approval for entry to the program and provision of service is required by the delegated officer prior to services commencing.

More information To find out more information or to explore a young person’s eligibility for the Program, please contact the local FACS District Office3.

If the young person has approved individual funding under the Program, please refer to the Individual Funding Handbook4. The Handbook is a guide for people with disability, their families and carers, the sector and FACS district staff about how to manage individual funding.

3 Leaving Care Program Business Rules (July 2015) apply 4 http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/individuals/support/individual-funding