Examining the health and mental health care needs aqnd experiences of a group of young people transitioning from out of home care in rural Victoria

Young people leaving state out-of-home care are arguably one of the most vulnerable anddisadvantaged groups in society. Many have been found to experience significant health, socialand educational deficits. In recent years, most Australian States and Territories have introducedspecialist leaving care and after care programs and supports, but there has been only limitedexamination of policy and practice outcomes. This paper examines the experiences of a groupof young people involved in the leaving care and after care support program introduced by StLuke’s Anglicare in the Victorian town of Bendigo which provides a strengths-based holisticsafety net for care leavers. Particular attention is drawn to their health and mental health needsincluding issues of substance abuse.