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NSW government promises $100m to extend foster care to those aged 21

The New South Wales state government will extend foster care from the age of 18 to 21 in what has been described by campaigners as “the most significant child welfare reform in a generation”.

Under the proposal, the change would bring New South Wales into line with other states across the country and will mean children in state care won’t be cut off from support when they turn 18.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, New South Wales minister for families and communities, Natasha Maclaren-Jones, said $100m in funding had been found to support the change.

Ensuring young people have that extended after-care support after the age of 21 is critical to provide that wraparound support to ensure they can go on and fulfil whether it’s university, employment, or have that security and support and the accommodation they need.

Paul McDonald, national chair of the Home Stretch campaign which has been pushing for the change, described the announcement as “fantastic”.

Extending state care to 21 will be life-changing for young people who have been nervously wondering what will happen when their state care arrangements are terminated on their 18th birthdays.

As the responsible parent for the largest number of children and young people in care nationally, extending care is the simplest and most effective reform the NSW government can make to transform the lives of around 1200 young people in foster, kinship and residential care.

It’s an exciting moment to be able to look ahead and think about how much difference this simple reform will make to so many young lives in the years to come.

Lin Hatfield-Dodds, CEO of the Benevolent Society said the change will provide stability for our young people at a critical point in their transition to adulthood.

The evidence from overseas and interstate is that extending care to 21 has long lasting positive effects for care leaver’s education, career and well-being.

This reform is also important recognition of the sacrifices that our foster carers make in welcoming a young person into their home.

The decision was also welcomed by the Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies and Stepping Stone House.