Media release Monday 24 November
Next state government must prevent kids exiting state care into homelessness, say
community groups
An alliance of peak bodies and community organisations are calling on the next state government to do
more to prevent the 400 young people who leave state care each year in Victoria from becoming homeless.
In the lead-up to the election the Council to Homeless Persons and the Centre for Excellence in Child and
Family Welfare , Berry Street and the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency have called on Government
to invest an average of $13.8m per year over four years in a guaranteed housing fund and the support that
will bridge the gap for young people leaving state care.
More than 400 young people leave state care each year to independent living and research shows that
more than a third of these young people will end up homeless in the first year, with a lack of affordable
housing the main factor. Aboriginal young people are particularly vulnerable and overly represented in out
of home care.
Jenny Smith, CEO of the Council to Homeless Persons, said, “Our responsibility for kids in care doesn’t end
when they turn 18. These kids need ongoing financial support in the same way that those from secure
families often continue to receive from parents when they leave home.”
“Young people leaving state care can’t rely on their family to help them pay rent, or get a bond together. In
Melbourne where the median rent is $360 per week young people l eaving state care are struggling to find
appropriate, affordable accommodation.”
“We want to see a guaranteed rent subsidy and appropriate supports for each and every young person
leaving state care to independence, so that they don’t end up couch-surfing or cycling in and out of refuges,
or worse, sleeping rough,” said Ms Smith.
The housing guarantee would deliver a maximum $4160 annual payment per young person either as a oneoff rent guarantee, or as staggered $80 per week rent payment while they’re finishing studies and unable
to work. Tailored support would also help the young person stay housed.
“While it might sound like a lot of money, the costs of youth homelessness are estimated to be $40,000 per
year per young person. So this package is a sensible investment in prevention,” said The Centre for
Excellent in Child and Family Welfare CEO Deb Tsorbaris.
Ms Tsorbaris said that “the State Government has a role to play in ensuring the wellbeing of the state’s
most disadvantaged children.”
“This election the future of Victoria’s children and young people is under the spotlight. Not only do we need
to address their education and work opportunities, but we must also work towards Victoria having the best
services to keep our kids healthy and safe. Additional money to assist some of the most vulnerable young
people is key to ensuring our society can offer a better life wi th a bit of help’’ said Ms Tsorbaris.
Media contact: Lanie Harris ( 0418 552 377) or Deb Tsorbaris (0417 599 869)
Interviews available with
Jenny Smith, CEO, Council to Homeless Persons
Deb Tsorbaris, CEO, Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare
Nigel D’Souza, Director of Policy & Planning, Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency
Sandie de Wolf, CEO, Berry Street