Reflections from the Home Stretch Symposium 2025

The lives of young people in and transitioning from care depend on our courage to think differently and act boldly.

Last month, I had the privilege of attending the Home Stretch Symposium 2025 in Melbourne, a gathering that brought together voices from across Australia and beyond to reflect on how we support young people transitioning from out-of-home care. As Director of NSW and Norfolk Island services, I left the symposium moved, challenged, and inspired.

The Role of the Corporate Parent: Are We Doing Enough?

A recurring theme throughout the two days was the role of the state as the corporate parent. While all states and territories have now adopted the Home Stretch model, extending care to age 21, the question remains: Is this enough? The expectation that young people should simply “crack on” after 18 is not only unrealistic, but also unjust.

We heard compelling arguments for extending support to age 25, as is now the case in the UK. If we truly believe in equity, then we must ask ourselves: Would we expect our own children to navigate adulthood alone at 18? If not, why do we expect this of care leavers?

Laying the Foundations for Future Thrive

Professor Robbie Gilligan from Ireland reminded us that what happens in care and after care are equally critical. His phrase, 

“Laying the Foundations for Future Thrive,” resonated deeply.

Early efforts are decisive, and the quality of care before 18 must be matched by robust, holistic supports after 18.

Young people shared their lived experiences with eloquence and courage. Their priorities were clear:

• Safe, stable housing
• Maintaining family and cultural connections
• Access to mental health and wellbeing supports
• Developmental coaches - not just case managers/social workers
• Being seen as people, not statistics
  

The Reality Behind the Numbers

The statistics were sobering. The Curtin Study revealed that:

• 35% of care leavers enter homelessness immediately after leaving care.
• In the first 12 months, 35% had five or more different places of abode.

These figures are not just numbers, they are lives. And they tell us that if we address this issue, we can significantly reduce homelessness in Australia for generations to come.

Innovations and Ideas: A National Vision

There were many inspiring ideas shared from Keynote Speakers:

• Jamie Crosby, CEO of Families Australia, proposed a “Gold Card” for care leavers, granting free access to essential services, akin to veterans’ entitlements.
• Mark Riddell MBE, UK National Implementation Adviser for Care Leavers, spoke of corporate parenting duties enshrined in law, making it illegal for care leavers to be homeless on their 18th birthday, and extending support to 25.
• Anne Hollonds, Children’s Commissioner, called for care leavers to be a national priority, warning that our failure to act is contributing to broader social issues, including crime.

We have a lot more to do in Australia to truly support young people transitioning from care. If I had a magic wand, I would start by ensuring consistency across all states and territories, no more postcode lottery. I would champion a holistic, human-centred approach, grounded in the belief that our young people have the right to thrive.

I’d establish a National Implementation Advisory Body with a clear mandate to the Attorney-General and Premiers and embed Corporate Parenting Duties across every government department, not just one (including the availability of support through to 25 years of age). I’d make health a Commonwealth promise, introducing a funded Gold Card for care leavers, and raise expectations in education by building a system that supports their success.

Real progress will come when we move from pilot programs to permanent policy, from goodwill to guaranteed rights for young people transitioning out of care. We need to act boldly.