Education

Education support and goals should be part of the leaving care planning – identifying what the goals are for the year ahead! It might help to look at school reports, NAPLAN results and talk to the young person about how they felt the past 12 months have been.

School can be an exciting time but for some teens it can also be challenging. Talk to the young person and their carer about how things are going. Talk about what support they might benefit from, for example tutoring, homework clubs, equipment, transport support, friendship connections? Remember teenagers entering Year 10 or 11 may need some extra support as they prepare for the HSC, such as regular tutor.

Education is important in creating equal opportunities and establish a promising future. It also helps young people become more self dependent, confident and empowered to express their views.

Caseworkers play an essential role in improving educational outcomes for children and young people in out-of-home care. The Education plan for children and young people in out-of-home care: caseworker guide (PDF, 64.5 KB) offers caseworkers guidance on how to actively support the planning process through four stages.

Scholarships

• Western Sydney University - DCJ OOHC Pathways Scholarships – $7,500 per year for up to 4 years for new and continuing students (Western Sydney University) who have been (in the last three years) or currently be in foster or kinship care through DCJ.
• Smart and Skilled Fee Free Scholarships
• DCJ Scholarships (OOHC & Social Housing)

Education

• Education plan for children and young people in out-of-home care: caseworker guide (PDF, 64.5 KB)
• Out-of-home care education plan
• NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)
• Public libraries in NSW

TAFE and University

• TAFE NSW
• Education Access Scheme (EAC)
• Universities Admissions Centre (UAC)
• HECS HELP
• Starting university

Apprenticeships and traineeships

• Australian Apprenticeships
• Traineeships

See also

• Programs and funding for care leavers