Supports for children living in out-of-home care

https://www.dcssds.qld.gov.au/our-work/child-safety/children-young-people-care

We’re here to ensure Queensland’s children and young people are loved, respected and have their rights upheld.We influence systemic change by assessing the child protection system’s performance, collaborating for impact, and amplifying the voices of Queensland’s children and their families. 

We do this in six ways:

• We monitor performance and identify changes that improve outcomes for children and their families.
• We produce authoritative analysis of complex social issues focused on generating awareness and solutions.
• We enable children, families and communities to contribute to discussions and decisions that impact their lives.
• We protect and promote child rights by building an everyday accountability for child rights.
• We support, connect and collaborate with organisations that advance the safety, rights and wellbeing of children.
• We value and invest in staff and continuously improve our systems and structures.

Under our legislation, we do not have the jurisdiction to investigate individual children’s and families’ circumstances. 

https://www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/

CREATE Foundation is the national consumer body representing the voices of  children and young people with an out-of-home care experience. Our vision is that all children and young people with a care experience reach their full potential.

https://create.org.au/

If you turned 18 after 1 July 2023, you are eligible to receive Extended Post Care Support (EPCS).

EPCS services will work with you to provide the practical support you need  to find a safe and affordable place to live, maintain your connections with family, culture, Country and community, apply for a job or enrol in a training course, and take you to appointments to meet your health and wellbeing needs.

If you leave care to live as an independent  adult, you’ll receive financial assistance from your EPCS service of up to $16,000 a year until your 21st birthday to help meet your everyday living costs.

If you remain living with your carer family, your carer will continue to receive the fortnightly care allowance so they can meet your everyday living costs up to your 21st birthday.

Talk to your Child Safety Officer about Extended Post Care Support.

EPCS services are located across Queensland and can be contacted from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

For Ipswich: 

Website: Life Without Barriers

Phone: 1800 935 483

Ipswich: (07) 3432 7800

Email: nextstepreferrals@lwb.org.au

Next Step Plus is a service for young people aged 15 to 25 years who have had a care experience since their 12th birthday.

Next Step Plus can support you after you leave care on your 18th birthday up  until you turn 25. Support can include help with managing money and entitlements, preparing a resume or finding accommodation. Support will  be determined by you and your needs.

Next Step Plus services are located across Queensland and can be contacted from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

For Ipswich: 

Website: Life Without Barriers

Phone: 1800 935 483

Ipswich: (07) 3432 7800

Email: nextstepreferrals@lwb.org.au

• Foster carer support
• Family support
• Residential support for children in care
• After care support for children leaving care
• Mental health support
• Refugee support
• Homelessness support

https://www.lwb.org.au/services/child-youth-and-family/

https://www.unitingcareqld.com.au/services-and-support/counselling-and-wellbeing/youth-support/residential-care

https://mercycommunity.org.au/families-and-young-people/our-programs/residential-care/residential-care/

https://www.safeplaces.com.au/youth-workers

https://allcareaustralia.com/

https://www.deadlycommunityconnections.com.au/

https://kincareservices.com.au/