11/10/2022

The Next Steps Pilot Program is successfully supporting 16 young people to move from residential care to independence, with several spots still available to help others adapt to adult life.

A minimum of 20 young people can take part in the program, which is funded by the Department for Child Protection (DCP) and run by Centacare in partnership with Housing Choices South Australia and Aboriginal Sobriety Group.

Support provided includes helping to obtain and sustain suitable accommodation, building life skills and participating in education, training and employment.

The Next Steps Pilot Program, which launched in January 2022 and will run until June 2025, is for young people who:

  • Live in DCP residential care in metropolitan Adelaide, and
  • Have complex needs (assessed at CAT Level 3 or 4), and
  • Are at risk of homelessness.

Based on feedback from our staff and partners, the referral age has also been changed from 17.5 years to 17 years, so young people can gain access to the Next Steps Pilot Program six months earlier.

Centacare Executive Manager, Domestic Violence, Homelessness and Youth Services, Megan Welsh said Next Steps is receiving a steady increase in referrals.

“We have been working predominantly with young people across metropolitan Adelaide who have housing and other support needs,” Ms Welsh said.

“Our partnership with Housing Choices SA has seen young people gain housing in areas they identified due to proximity to familiar surroundings and existing support services

“The team has been working hard to overcome challenges accessing suitable housing in an increasingly competitive housing market.

“It has been especially rewarding to walk alongside each young person as they move into their first ‘own’ home and establish a sense of safety and independence.”