Today the 15th February 2012,  Jan presented the Leaving Care Plan petition to Parliament.
We have 137 signatures so far- well done everyone.

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Watch the video Sharon Shostak made about the CSG rally in Byron in Oct 2011. Jan was interviewed, along with Ian Cohen. Jeremy Buckingham’s staffer Justin Field spoke at the rally, which is included in the footage. Watch the video HERE.

Some photos were also taken on the day, follow the link to Jan’s Flickr page, or click HERE.

Create Foundation have released a report that over 60% of children in the care of the Minister or in out of home care do not have leaving care plans. A recent SMH article highlighted the challenges faced by young people leaving care.

In the first year after leaving care, CREATE has found that when young people turn 18, in NSW, they are less likely than those in other states to have a Leaving Care Plan, and up to one third may become homeless after leaving care. 

Care leavers are more likely to be unemployed than others in this age group and are also more likely to spend time in prison. Barnardos have found that one in seven young people leaving care are either pregnant or already mothers.

Leaving Care Plans should be available to all of these vulnerable young people so that they can make a start on developing the life skills they will need to look after themselves in the adult world. This should include an introduction to training, further education or employment.

Add your voice to those calling for proper support of young people leaving care. Download a petition here.