Leaving care support

We work to offer young people the right support, resources and trusted networks to help make their transition from out-of-home care to independent living easier.

Young people are involved in planning their transition and setting goals for the future.

We run different programs in different locations across Victoria.

Support and mentoring (Gippsland region)

In Berry Street’s Gippsland region in South Eastern Victoria, we run the Community Connections program in partnership with Whitelion.

There are 2 parts to the program:

• Community Connections: gives young people opportunities to join outings and activities to help connect them to their community. Young people are connected to job and education opportunities to help them work towards their personal and professional goals.
• Mentoring: each young person is matched with a trained volunteer mentor from the community who helps them with their personal and professional goals. Mentors provide guidance, support and encouragement.

The program is in line with the Better Futures model.

Better Futures providers in Gippsland can refer young people aged from 15 years and 9 months to 21 to Community Connections.

Contact us

Learn more about how to become a leaving care mentor.

For more information, please email GippslandAdministration@berrystreet.org.au.

Individual leaving care plans (South Eastern region)

In Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs (Berry Street's South Eastern region), we develop leaving care plans for young people who are transitioning out of care.

These plans are a key part of our case management services, as well as our foster, kinship and residential care programs.

We involve young people in the planning process and provide transition support with local partners. Plans include:

• support with finding housing
• referrals to other support services
• financial support.

Contact us

For more information, please email noblepark@berrystreet.org.au.