2002

6th November 2002
Transition to Adult Life Made Easier for Hunter Young People
Centacare Newcastle, the official welfare agency of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, today received $100,000 from the NSW Government to establish a new support program for disadvantaged young people in the Hunter region.

This program will focus on the specific needs of young people between the ages of 15 and 25 who are making the transition from 'Out of Home Care' to independent living.

'Out of Home Care' is the term used to describe the situation in which a child or young person is unable to live with their family of origin and is cared for by specially trained foster carers or in residential care.

Children's Services, Centacare Newcastle's largest program, offers a broad range of services to children in out of home care, their carers, and their families of origin.

Mr Bryan Dunn, Director of Centacare Newcastle, believes that this new 'After Care' initiative is a significant expansion to the Children's Services program.

"We have over thirty years experience in working with children and young people in out of home care," Mr Dunn said. "This experience has highlighted the importance of identity for young people and their need for a sense of connectedness. It has also highlighted the difficulties faced by young people once they leave out of home care."

Department of Community Services Minister, The Hon. Carmel Tebbutt, MLC, and State Member for Wallsend, Mr John Mills, presented the cheque to Mr Dunn and the Children's Services staff at their New Lambton offices this morning.

During the presentation, Mr Dunn commended the NSW government for its support of young people as they leave out of home care. He also highlighted the particular issues faced by this group within our society.

"We are aware that young people leaving care generally have lower rates of educational achievement, higher rates of unemployment and higher rates of early parenting. These young people often need assistance to access information, support and resources across a range of areas including accommodation, health, education and employment services," Mr Dunn said.

The new after care program will support young people in the Hunter area, offering assistance in accessing personal information, family work, advocacy, counselling, and compiling their life histories.

"We know what a difference support during the transition from out of home care to independence can make. It's not an easy transition but with the right resources and assistance, young people leaving out of home care can have a better and more connected future," Mr Dunn said.

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