Planning for when you turn 18
When you're around 15 years of age, your Child Safety Officer (CSO) will start talking to you about planning for your future, and for when your Child Protection Order ends.
Transitioning to adulthood is about planning for the time when you turn 18 and are legally no longer in care.
Case plans
As part of your case plan, you and your CSO will plan for your transition to adulthood. This plan looks at your goals and dreams and how you and your CSO will achieve them.
Depending on your transition to adulthood goals in your case plan, your CSO may help you with:
- getting financial help
- maintaining your bank accounts
- financial assistance for a course of study/apprenticeship/traineeship
- getting a driver license
- developing life skills and attending courses such as life skills workshops, cooking or budgeting
- living independently or in semi-supported accommodation
- accessing counselling and support services
- transport to visit/reconnect with your family.
Child Health Passport
Your Child Health Passport is the folder with information in it about your health and medical history. The passport is kept by your carer, but you are entitled to keep it once you turn 18 years of age. To get your passport, talk to your CSO or carer.
Next Step Plus
Next Step Plus (is a service for young people aged 15 to 25 years who have had care experience since their 12th birthday. Next Step Plus is there to provide you with information and support when you are planning your transition to adulthood. When you turn 15 Next Step Plus can help you to build life skills and work towards the transition goals you identified with your CSO in your case plan.
Next Step plus can also assist you after your transition to adulthood.
You can contact Next Step Plus from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
Sortli
Sortli (short for ‘sort out your life’) is the ultimate guide to becoming an adult.
It is a free mobile app to help you think about your future life and plan your transition to adulthood. It was designed in consultation with young people who have already left the care system and are living independently, and professionals who work with young people in care.
Sortli will help you find the information and services you need, when you need them. It’s fun informative and easy-to-navigate and can be installed on your Apple or Android mobile devices.
Note that, as Sortli covers some sensitive topics, it is not suitable for young people under 15 years of age.
Find out more and download the app.
More information
- Get support when you leave care.
- The Create your future website is packed with information that will assist you when you leave and transition to adulthood.
- Find housing and accommodation support as well as information about the Youth Housing and Reintegration Service, including After Care Services.