Automatic language translation
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Eka wanted to move back in with his parents when he left care. His caseworker suggested they include options or alternatives in case things didn’t work out. Eka called this his Plan B which was that he would stay short term with his cousin Darma while looking for long term housing.
After he left care, Eka’s caseworker checked in with him regularly. At first everything was fine but then Eka’s father began to get abusive and started threatening Eka. His caseworker suggested it was time to activate Plan B.
Eka moved in with Darma but was soon able to find share accommodation with other students through his university.
The students all contribute $80 a month to household costs for electricity and internet. Eka isn’t working at the moment and thinks he may have trouble finding this money every month. His caseworker adds the cost of utilities to Eka’s leaving care plan for one year. Eka isn’t sure if he will still be in the share house in a year or if he will be working by then but his caseworker tells him that his plan can be reviewed to see if he still needs help with these costs.
| Expenditure Type | Used for | Items requested | Rationale | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Utilities |
Payments to assist a young person with expenses for water, electricity, gas, telephone and internet. |
Electricity and internet costs
|
Eka must contribute monthly to the cost of utilities to remain in the shared house where he is safe. There are currently no other suitable housing options. |
$960 $80 per month for 12 months |
This example has been included to raise awareness that assistance can be provided with the cost of utilities. It is just one scenario from many where this type of assistance can, and should, be provided.
The COVID-19 pandemic not only impacted income and employment prospects but raised the importance of digital connection to overcome isolation and to access services and information.
Practice point – Plans should include what to do if the plan needs to change. That might mean the care leaver knows they can contact their caseworker and how to do so or, as in this case, alternatives are put in place. Having a detailed safety plan with Darma already involved meant that Eka was not left wondering what to do.
Regular follow-up by the caseworker enabled the threat to Eka’s safety to be quickly identified and addressed. Without that contact, Eka may have lacked the confidence to leave the abusive relationship with his father
01 Mar 2023