Supporting someone with an out-of-home care experience who is thinking about vocational or higher education?
Wondering how to best advise them when it comes to resources, supports and accessing a course?
Whether you’re a foster, kinship or permanent carer, or a residential care worker, we can provide resources and access to services to ensure that the young people you support have what they need to access TAFE or university.
We’re here to help.
EDUCATION GUIDE
Fostering a love of learning and having high educational expectations and aspirations for all children and young people is vital. Actively supporting their learning, development and education will help to prepare and position them for a fulfilling, rewarding and positive life.
The Education Guide, developed with the Department of Education and Training, carer agencies and Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc, provides carers with information about the supports and services to assist them and the children in their care to be connected and engaged in their education and to know where to go to get the support they need when they need it.
CONVERSATIONS TO HAVE:
What is the young person interested in? Do they have any hobbies or interests that may apply to a degree or TAFE course?
Are there any particular subjects that they are enjoying or excelling in at school? (Take them along to an Open Day at a TAFE or university to find out more about courses and learning areas)
Will they be able to attend a campus that is accessible via car or public transport? (If not, are they able to study online or live on campus?)
Would they like to study part time or full time?
What type of financial or other support might you and/or the care leaver need over the next few years?
FINANCIAL SUPPORT:
Scholarships, bursaries and financial assistance from our partner universities.
Scholarships from other universities and institutions.
Youth Allowance is available for students between 16 and 21, or up to 25 if you are a full-time student. Find out whether your care leaver is eligible and how to apply.
Study Assist for students to acquire a HELP loan or other funding.
The Skills First Youth Access Initiative helps young people impacted by child protection and youth justice orders by providing them with tuition fee waiver and a viable pathway to education and employment.
ABSTUDY help for young Aboriginal people with study/apprenticeship costs.
Transition to Independent Living Allowance (TILA) up to $1500 for young people (15–25) leaving care via the Department of Social Services.
ACCOMMODATION SUPPORT:
Leaving Care Helpline for help with support and accommodation, call 1300 532 846
Leaving Care and Post-Care Support Programs for help with immediate/ongoing support and accommodation.
Education Foyers learning and student accommodation centres for young people who need support and a place to live while they study or train.
OTHER RESOURCES AND ADVICE:
Download this one-page guide to the Raising Expectations program: the what, why and how. Feel free to share with your colleagues and networks.
Check out this quick guide to Understanding the Education Partnering Agreements for Children and Young People in Out-of-Home Care
Higher education guidelines: for working with care experienced students.
Youth Central website: information for care leavers who want to study, career profiles, planning your career page, and career bullseyes.
LOOKOUT Education Support Centres: supports young people in primary and secondary school, as well as case workers and Child Protection Practitioners.
A LOOKOUT Education Careers Advisor has been appointed to each of the four Department of Education and Training regions. Advisors will work with schools to support students in out-of-home care from Years 7 to 10 to make sure they access all available career education tools and programs and secure and access positive industry engagement and workplace learning opportunities, in fields and settings that suit the student and their interests. Click here for contact information for each of the four advisors.
Job Outlook Career Quiz: Understand your work style and explore careers.
My Future website: information on courses, careers, industries and companies.
Leaving Care and Post Care service information: from DHHS.
CREATE Foundation: supports young people who are in or have left care.
Sortli App: A free app available in the Apple or Google Play stores, for care leavers with info on where to get help and support.
University and TAFE Open Days: Find Open day dates, or call universities on their Future Students numbers to get more info.
Marrung: Aboriginal Education Plan – 2016-2026: supports Aboriginal students achieve their learning aspirations.
raisingchildren.net for tips on supporting young people through school, education & work.
Check out this blog post on the Outcomes Practice Evidence (OPEN) Portal for great resource for alternative approaches to career counselling.
