The Next Steps Pilot Program welcomed the first referrals of young people who will receive life-changing support as they move from residential care into adult life and independence.
Centacare Catholic Family Services will operate the service, in partnership with Housing Choices SA, Aboriginal Sobriety Group and the Department for Child Protection (DCP), to June 2025.
Next Steps will support at least 20 young people aged 17.5 to 21 years.
Next Steps Manager Sam Carpenter said: “Centacare is honoured to be entrusted with the management of this extremely important pilot program for the future of young people in South Australia.”
“Next Steps will offer opportunities for clients to access affordable accommodation and a range of other wrap-around supports up to the age of 21 to build independent living skills as well as connections, agency and identity so they can succeed in the long-term”.
The Next Steps Pilot Program is for young people aged 17.5 years and above who are:
- Living in residential care in the metropolitan area, and
- Have complex needs (assessed at CAT Level 3 or 4), and
- Are at risk of homelessness.
If you believe a young person would benefit from the service, please discuss with their DCP case worker.