Many people who were in care in South Australia as children are eligible for post care services. This includes a number of people who now live interstate.

Relationships Australia Post Care Support Services

Relationships Australia’s Post Care Support Services provides services and information about a range of topics for young people, including:

  • accessing community services and programs
  • building skills to manage family and social networks
  • financial literacy and grant support
  • independent living skills
  • education and employment support
  • culturally responsive support
  • peer support options.

You can contact Relationships Australia’s Post Care Support Services on 1800 188 118, or refer to the Relationships Australia website.

For more information, contact Relationships Australia Post Care Support Services on 1800 188 118 or refer to the Relationships Australia website.

Housing

SA Housing Authority can help with bond and rental assistance and registering for interest in public and community housing. You can contact Housing SA by calling 131 299. You can find the closest Housing SA office on the SA Housing Authority website.

You can also access Housing SA services online by registering on the SA Housing Authority website.

If you are at risk of becoming homeless or are homeless, contact Homeless Connect SA by calling their 24/7 phone line on 1800 003 308.

Money

Centrelink

Information about how to apply for Centrelink payments is available from the Services Australia website.

You can log into your myGov account using the myGov mobile app or through the myGov website.

You can check and manage your Centrelink payments using the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app.

If you need help with Centrelink payments, the Services Australia website has a list of phone numbers for contacting Centrelink.

Transition to Independent Living Allowance

You may be eligible for financial help through the Transition to Independent Living Allowance (TILA) program.

TILA is an Australian Government payment of up to $1,500 that can be used to cover the costs of transitioning to independent living (such as moving into a new home or buying household items). You will need a DCP case worker or Post Care Support Services case worker to help you apply.

For information about applying for TILA funding, refer to the Australian Government website.

Dame Roma Mitchell grants

The Dame Roma Mitchell grants provide financial assistance for:

  • young people up to 29 years old who are or have been in care for at least one year
  • children and young people from remote Aboriginal communities who have been placed in the long-term care of relatives under family care agreements and financially supported by the department for a combined total of at least one year.

The grants help contribute to young people:

  • achieving personal goals
  • maintaining their health and wellbeing
  • taking personal development opportunities.

Learn how to:

CREATE Foundation grants

The CREATE Foundation has a grants program for young people who have left care. You will need to complete an application to be considered for a grant. For information about what grants are available and how to apply, refer to the CREATE website.

Health

To find health services (like a GP, clinic or hospital), view health information and advice, refer to the Australian Government HealthDirect website.

You can access your Medicare and Health Care Card information through myGov.

You can access your medical records through My Health Record.

The Services Australia website has helpful information about medical costs for things like seeing a doctor, going to hospital and getting medicines.

Mental health

Find information and resources about mental health and wellbeing by referring to the Headspace website.

Mental health crisis support is available from:

Ambulance cover

You are eligible for ambulance cover under DCP’s insurance until the age of 21 years. This means that you may be covered for the costs of emergency transport to the hospital. Learn more about ambulance cover for children and young people.

Education, training and employment

For assistance with options for training, university or employment, refer to Post Care Support Services.

You may be eligible for fee-free courses through TAFE and other VET providers under the Subsidised Training Initiative.

You can also find more information about skills and training pathways by visiting the Skills SA website.

Accessing your DCP case file

You can ask DCP for access to information and documents from your DCP case file. Visit Provision of information to care leavers for information about how to make a request.

Legal services and support

You can get free legal advice and low-cost legal aid from services including:

Other resources

  • GOM Central – access Relationships Australia SA’s information and resources for young people who have left care
  • CREATE Your Future – access resources and information about independent living and transitioning to adulthood
  • Ask Izzy – search for crisis support and other services in your local area