An evaluation of housing outcomes from a support program for young people transitioning from out-of-home care in Victoria, Australia

Young people transitioning from out-of-home care are globally a vulnerable group due to their traumatic childhood experiences and the often limited supports provided to them as they leave the care system. This article presents findings from an evaluation of an Australian leaving care program called Stand by Me (SBM) loosely based on the UK Personal Advisers Model which targeted care leavers with poor social and community connections who were particularly at risk of becoming homeless. The evaluation identified a number of effective components of the program including the long engagement period which enabled the workers to develop trusting relationships with the young people; the holistic wrap around support that focused on working with the young people in their broader family, social and community contexts; and the availability of housing support to facilitate safe and stable housing options.