No good parent abandons their child when they turn 18. If their child is studying, most parents will continue to support them, which includes continuing to accommodate them within their family home if that is what they need. When children are in the care of the State, the Government has the same responsibilities to act as a good parent would and not abandon these young people when they turn 18.
This week, the Palaszczuk Government took a significant step in acting as a good parent would and should by extending the period foster and kinship carers are entitled to receive the allowance paid to them. Where previously this allowance ceased when children in their care turned 18, these carers will continue to receive the allowance for children who turn 18 while still at school.
In announcing this initiative, Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women Di Farmer said that additional financial support from 2020-2021 would allow children in care to be supported, through until the age of 19, regardless of their education status.
PeakCare commends the Government for taking this action. There remains much more to be done in supporting children who have been in care in their transitions to adulthood, but this certainly represents a significant step in the right direction.