Transition from care

Transition from care is planning for the time when you turn 18 years of age and will no longer be in care.

When you’re around 15 years of age, your Child Safety Officer (CSO) will start talking to you about planning for your future, and what your plans are when your Child Protection Order ends.

Case plan

As part of your case plan, you and your CSO will develop a transition from care plan. This plan looks at your goals and how you and your CSO will reach these goals.

How Child Safety can help

Depending on your transition from care goals in your case plan, your CSO may help you with:

• getting financial or study help
• maintaining your bank accounts
• payment for a course of study/apprenticeship/traineeship
• getting a drivers licence
• developing life skills and attending courses such as life skills workshops, cooking or budgeting
• living independently or in semi-supported accommodation
• accessing counselling and support services
• transport to visit/reconnect with your family.

Child health passport

Your child health passport is the folder with information in it about your health and medical history. The passport is kept by your carer, but you are entitled to keep it once you turn 18 years of age. To get your child health passport, talk to your CSO or carer.

Transition to Independent Living Allowance (TILA)

TILA is a payment of up to $1500 to assist people of 15-25 years of age to make the transition to independent living. Check if you’re eligible for the payment.

For more information on getting the TILA payment, talk to your CSO or TILA on 1300 761 961.

Medicare and Health Care Cards

Read information on Medicare and health care cards covered by the Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS).

Housing and accommodation

Find housing and accommodation support for young people in Queensland and Youth Housing and Reintegration Service including After Care Services.

More information

For more information about your transition from care, you can:

• talk to your CSO or carer
• phone Child Safety Services on 1800 811 810 or (07) 3224 8045
• contact or visit your nearest Child Safety Service Centre.

Helpful resources

• Queensland Link-Up Aboriginal Corporation – family tracing and reunion service for indigenous Australians. Contact them on 1800 200 855 or at contact@qld.link-up.org.au
• Year 12 – what next?