PRESS RELEASE: T2A Month to empower QLD teens in out-of-home care

Queensland’s Transition to Adulthood (T2A) Month kicks off tomorrow with a launch event focused on ‘Adulting 101’ and what young care-leavers need to know for the transition to independence.

Each year, over 600 young people in Queensland transition from their out-of-home care placement (foster, kinship, residential care, etc) to start living independently.

While some care-leavers have lots of support around them, others do not and T2A Month aims to empower young people with tools to find a place to live, pursue further education or training, get a job and manage their money.

CREATE Foundation CEO Imogen Edeson said, “T2A Month and this year’s theme, ‘Adulting 101’ highlights the exciting yet challenging journey to adulthood that many young care-leavers face.

Our hope is that all the events held throughout November for T2A Month will empower young people across Queensland with the knowledge, skills, support, and resources for a successful transition to independence.”

19-year-old Holly transitioned from foster care to independent living a year ago. Holly said she felt underprepared and is still adjusting to adulthood.

“There were so many things I needed to know but I didn’t get the opportunity to learn those things before moving. One of the things that I still struggle with is being at home and accessing support for my mental health.

My advice to others is to start learning as early as you possibly can about the supports on offer for the transition (to adulthood). Know what you’re entitled to and advocate for what you need.”

Queensland services will join the national CREATE Foundation at the T2A Month launch event tomorrow, hosting stalls, talks, activities, giveaways and entertainment for young people aged 14-21 who are preparing to leave care in the near future.

T2A Month is celebrated across Queensland with events hosted by CREATE Foundation and other services. Find events: create.org.au/t2a

CREATE will also host a series of webinars, proudly supported by the Sortli App, covering topics including relationships, budgeting, employment and more.

T2A Month promises to be fun, informative, and a great way to build support networks and find out about the support on offer for young people leaving care.

Details: T2A Month Launch (1 November)
• Who: Young people aged 14-21 with a care experience and their carers
• When: Friday 1 November 2024, 1pm – 5pm
• Where: Leichhardt One Mile Community Centre, 1-17 Denman St, Leichhardt Ipswich
• What: Stalls, activities, food, music, games, prizes, dunk tank and more!
• RSVP: Email [email protected] or find more T2A Month events here www.create.org.au/t2a

CREATE Foundation is the national consumer body representing the voices of children and young people with an out-of-home care experience. We provide programs to children and young people with a statutory care experience. We listen to what those with a lived experience of the care system tell us, and advocate with and for them to achieve systemic change.

*ENDS*

For further comment from CREATE’s CEO, Imogen Edeson, contact Taylor Toovey, Communications and Media Specialist via (m) 0478 814 752 or [email protected]

Key statistics on out-of-home care in Australia
• There are currently around 45,393 children and young people in out-of-home (OOHC) care nationally (AIHW, 2023).
• As of 30 June 2022, of the 45,393 children and young people in out of home care, 19,432 identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (AIHW, 2023).
• Nationwide, only 67.5% of children and young people in care feel they could have a say ‘reasonably often’ and 15.7% reported that they rarely or never had a say (McDowall, 2018).

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Child protection Australia 2021–22. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/child-protection/child-protection-australia-2021-22
McDowall, J. J. (2018). Out-of-home care in Australia: Children and young people’s views after five years of National Standards. CREATE Foundation.