Investing in their future is a whole-of-government initiative to provide children and young people in care with priority access to the services they need. It is a key part of the Safe and well strategy, and builds upon the government’s previous Rapid Response initiative.

It is all of our responsibility to help children and young people in care access services under the ‘Investing in their future’ initiative to help them thrive and reach their full potential. These include:

• earlier preschool enrolment from 3 years, with the option to continue until 6 years
• priority access to dental services and treatment
• free reading packs from the Little Big Book Club (0-6 years)
• free VACSWIM water safety and survival programs
• carer support for infants
• prioritised school enrolments
• waiver of student course fees
• school card, offering financial assistance with educational expenses such as uniforms, camps and excursions
• extended carer payments to 21 years
• Transition to Independent Living Allowance.

Please familiarise yourself with the services available, and encourage carers to do the same. Carers can talk to their child’s case worker for more information and for help accessing services.