The Dame Roma Mitchell Trust has passed a significant milestone in its efforts to assist young people transitioning from the child protection and family support system.

More than $1 million in grants have been approved since the Department for Child Protection took responsibility for the fund.

This milestone is reached after the trust reported its most successful-ever round of grant applications.

Dame Roma Mitchell Trust grants provide opportunities for young people aged under 30 with a care experience to achieve personal goals, and funds can be used to contribute to an individual’s health and wellbeing or provide developmental opportunities.

That can include anything from purchasing whitegoods to set up a new home, to a computer to assist with study, or even funds to maintain a hobby or interest.

The trust offers two rounds of applications each year.

In the most recent round, which closed in September 2023, the trust received 224 applications – the most ever submitted. This compared to 196 applications in the previous round, which closed in March last year.

Of the applications submitted in the second round last year, the Board approved 108 grants – totalling $83,000, assessed on a case-by-case basis.

One of those recipients was 19-year-old Pete Griffiths, who was allocated a $2000 grant for business advancement costs.

Pete, who received the largest grant of the round, operates Pete’s Tasty Treats micro bakery out of the home he still shares with his long-term foster carer Belinda.

He has been inundated with orders for his cupcakes, birthday cakes, slices and biscuits, and is considering expanding to supply local cafes.

Pete hopes to use the grant money to buy a portable fridge and items for the business.

Another recipient was 16-year-old Chloe, who received a $257 grant for a netball uniform and travel kit to compete at the national indoor netball championships in Queensland.

Chloe spent a year in care and has now been reunited with her mother Sally*, who said the grant gave Chloe some much needed self-confidence and encouraged her to attempt Year 12 in 2024.

Applications for the first round of grants in 2024 close Friday 8 March.

For more information, including eligibility and how to apply, visit the Department for Child Protection website: childprotection.sa.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Child Protection Katrine Hildyard

The Dame Roma Mitchell Trust grants are an outstanding way for young people transitioning out of care to establish themselves in the community.

Leaving care can often create an uncertain period for young people; these grants go a long way in helping to provide security and comfort and an opportunity to pursue avenues to participate in community life in different ways.

Dame Roma Mitchell was a remarkable woman whose steadfast advocacy for disadvantaged members of our community made a lasting difference.  These grants speak to her legacy as the provision of them empowers young people who may need some extra support.

The $1 million milestone and the record number of applicants in our most recent round exemplify how important the Trust and the support it provides have become.

The next round is now open and I urge everyone with a care experience to consider applying.

Quotes attributable to grant recipient Peter Griffiths, Pete’s Tasty Treats

I keep very busy – I’m cooking every day. I’m grateful and thankful (to the Trust). It’s very helpful.

I like baking because it’s my favourite thing to do. I love my business.

I would love to own a kitchen one day, but it’s very expensive.

Quotes attributable to Sally*, mother of grant recipient Chloe

She had an amazing time in terms of her self-esteem and skills.

She met netballers from all over the country and still wears the playing kit every day.

It gives her an immense sense of pride and that wouldn’t have been possible without the Dame Roma Mitchell Grant.