CALL HER OWN OUT OF FOSTER CARE, NOW A HOME TO
A FORMER foster care child is now living independently for the first time thanks to a new Geelong-based pilot program aimed at curbing youth homelessness.
Eighteen-year-old Erin, pictured, had been in and out of foster care all her life and was determined to live independently when she became an adult.
The Corio teen is one of two young adults taking part in an innovative pilot program aimed at reducing youth homelessness by providing supportive accommodation options for vulnerable youth.
Under the pilot program Erin is renting a Barwon Child, Youth and Family-supported house with another young person and a volunteer lead tenant who provides emotional support and guidance.
“BCYF is not just there to help you budget, they are like a mentor,” Erin, an aspiring youth worker, said.
“They were there to guide you, to hold your hand and let you go. Kind of like riding a bike.
“Having someone here to help and support me, especially at night, makes me feel safer.”
BCYF youth services manager Mandy Baxter said nearly 35 per cent of young people who leave state care become homeless within the first year — a statistic she hopes the program will change.
“Finding safe, secure and affordable accommodation is a big concern in a young person’s life on leaving state care,” Ms Baxter said.
“We know from research, that the outcomes for many of these young people transitioning to independent living is relatively poor with high levels experiencing homelessness and unemployment.”
Under the new Department of Health and Human Services-funded pilot BCYF leases the properties and continues to provide support to the young people.
Ms Baxter said young people in the program were supported by a lead tenant volunteer mentor who also lived at the property and a BCYF key worker to improve their independence skills and help them develop strong longterm positive outcomes.
She is encouraging other local property owners to consider leasing their houses to BCYF, and for anyone aged 21 or over interested in becoming a lead tenant to apply for the program.