after care support
‘After care’ is a term used to describe a variety of services and supports that may be available to young people between the ages of 15 and 25 years after they formally leave care.
DoCS will discuss with you the kinds of after care support you would like, and will recommend services based on your wishes and an assessment of your individual circumstances.
types of after care assistance
Types of after care assistance might include:
- information and advice about other government or non-government agencies which can help with family searching, family mediation and family reunion services
- referral and financial assistance for finding accommodation, education or vocational training, counselling, employment, legal advice, health services or professional services. NB: To be eligible for financial assistance, you must be over 15 years of age at the time of leaving care
- help with viewing your file and accessing personal documentation.
Transition to Independent Living Allowance (TILA)
TILA is a Commonwealth program which provides one-off financial assistance of up to $1000. It is available to young people 15-25 who are leaving state-supported care or who have left care.
The goal is to help you make the transition from care.
Priority is given to those at greatest risk of not making a successful transition to independent living. Risk factors may include homelessness, drug and/or alcohol dependency, limited networks or limited access to other services.
TILA may be used for a wide variety of purposes such as household goods, educational expenses, or help with job-seeking.
TILA Guidelines, the Referral Assessment form, and the list of Administering Organisations delivering TILA across all States and Territories are available on the TILA website. To view and download see FaCS' TILA page.
The Commonwealth Department of Family and Community Services (FaCS) has also established a TILA helpdesk for enquiries: email helpdesk.tila@facs.gov.au
specialist after care services
In certain situations, DoCS can provide specialist services to help you live independently, find accommodation, obtain income support, get education and training, develop living skills and help you with health related needs.
DoCS can also provide casework support including advice, advocacy and referral.
other after care resources
DoCS funds a number of non-government organisations to provide assistance to people who have been in care such as Relationships Australia, Burnside, Centacare, St Vincents Adolescent Care, Stretch-a-Family and Wesley Dalmar Youth Services.
These services provide:
- counselling, support and assistance for young people leaving care or who have left care
- support in finding employment, health care, legal advice and education
- assistance with access to personal history information
- information and advice about financial assistance
- advocacy on behalf of young people.
find information about your family or background
If you have been separated from your family due to your time in care, DoCS can help you find out about family members. See are you a former ward? for a guide on how to access information.
Family tracing services are also available to help you contact family members who have been separated in out-of-home care. .
support services for people who have left care
Anglicare (Careforce) Child and Family Services: 02 9890 6800
Barnardos Australia: 02 9281 7933
Burnside Aftercare Servies: 02 9630 6866
Care Leavers of Australia Network (CLAN) is a support group for people over 25 who were in orphanages, children’s homes or foster care: 02 9709 4520 or 1800 008 774 (toll free)
Centacare (Catholic): 02 9793 7522
Wesley Dalmar Child and Family Care – Aftercare Services: 02 9804 7255
