Support when you leave care

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Turning 18 is a big deal as it means you’re now legally an adult and you can decide how you want to live your life.

For many young people in care, turning 18 can be a little scary as your child protection order ends and the thought of leaving care to live as independent adults can be daunting.

It’s very important you know about all the support that is available to help you after you leave care.

Support Service Case

Once you leave care, Child Safety may continue to support you through a Support Service Case.

A Support Service Case is a way of working through a plan put together by you and your Child Safety Officer (CSO) to help make your transition from care easier. In most cases, a Support Service Case will last around 12 months.

If you choose not to have a Support Service Case, your CSO can still provide you with information about the services and agencies in the community that can help you.

Your CSO will work with you to develop your support plan that will include your goals and the steps and support services to help you achieve your goals.

Your CSO will also help and support you in meeting your goals and review your support plan with you until your goals have been met.

For more information about support plans, you can:

Extended Post Care Support and Next Step Plus

Extended Post Care Support

If you turned 18 after 1 July 2023, you are eligible to receive Extended Post Care Support (EPCS).

EPCS services will work with you to provide the practical support you need to find a safe and affordable place to live, maintain your connections with family, culture, Country and community, apply for a job or enrol in a training course, and take you to appointments to meet your health and wellbeing needs.

If you leave care to live as an independent adult, you’ll receive financial assistance from your EPCS service of up to $16,000 a year until your 21st birthday to help meet your everyday living costs.

If you remain living with your carer family, your carer will continue to receive the fortnightly care allowance so they can meet your everyday living costs up to your 21st birthday.

Talk to your CSO about Extended Post Care Support.

EPCS services are located across Queensland and can be contacted from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Next Step Plus

Next Step Plus is a service for young people aged 15 to 25 years who have had a care experience since their 12th birthday.

Next Step Plus can support you after you leave care on your 18th birthday up until you turn 25.  Support can include help with managing money and entitlements, preparing a resume or finding accommodation. Support will be determined by you and your needs.

Next Step Plus services are located across Queensland and can be contacted from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Find your nearest EPCS or Next Step Plus service

Brisbane and Moreton Bay

South East Queensland

South West Queensland

Sunshine Coast and Central Queensland

North Queensland

Far North Queensland

Youth Housing and Reintegration Services

Youth Housing and Reintegration Services (YHARS) help young people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

If you’re aged 17 to 21 and are leaving or have left care and need help with finding a safe place to live, YHARS can provide support, financial help and access to housing.

Find out more about YHARS.

Youth Housing Essentials

Youth Housing Essentials is one-off financial assistance of up to $5,000 for young people up to 25 years to help with the cost of moving to independent living, such as:

  • furniture, white goods and other essential home items
  • things you might need for work or training, such as clothing or stationery
  • transport and moving costs
  • mobile phone and prepaid phone credit.

Your CSO or youth service worker can apply for this financial assistance for you.

Find out more about Youth Housing Essentials.

Transition to Independent Living Allowance

Transition to Independent Living Allowance (TILA) is a payment of up to $1,500 to assist young people aged 15 to 25 years of age to make the transition from living in care.

Check if you’re eligible for the payment.

For more information on how to get the TILA payment, talk to your CSO or email TILA@csyw.qld.gov.au.

Sortli

Sortli is a free mobile app to help you think about your future life and plan for when you become an adult. It was designed with young people who have already left the care system and are living independently, and professionals who work with young people in care.

Sortli will help you find the information and services you need when you need them. It’s fun, informative and easy-to-navigate and can be installed on your Apple or Android mobile devices.

Note that, as Sortli covers some sensitive topics, it is not suitable for young people under 15 years of age.

Find out more about Sortli and download the app.

Other support

CREATE Foundation

CREATE Foundation represents the voices of children and young people with a care experience.

Find a CREATE location near you.

Transition to Adulthood Month

Leaving care can be a positive experience if you have access to the right information and support. November is Transition to Adulthood Month, when we focus on helping young people make the journey to adulthood and achieve positive life outcomes.

Find out more about the month.

Last updated:
15 April 2024