There are many support services available to help you transition from care to independent living
Information and advice
SORTLI (Sort out your life)
SORTLI ('sort out your life') is a fun, informative and easy-to-navigate, free mobile app to help young people transition from care to independence.
The SORTLI App has step by step guides for navigating some of life's big challenges like:
- renting a place live
- finding a job
- getting a licence
- getting into TAFE or uni
- managing money
- understanding legal rights
- finding mental health support.
The SORTLI app is available from App Store for Apple (iOS) and Google Play store (Android).
Go Your Own Way Info Kit
The Go Your Own Way Info Kit is filled with resources and information to help young people, caseworkers, and carers plan for transition to adulthood and independence.
ClubCREATE
ClubCREATE is a club for children and young people aged 0 to 25 who are in care or who have care experience.
For more information visit Join ClubCreate.
Youthlaw Legal Pod Program
The Youthlaw Legal Pod Program is free service providing a broad range of legal assistance and support for up to 3 years to young people who have recently left care services.
If you are aged 18 to 25 years and have left care services the program pairs you on with a group of private lawyers (pod).
For more information about the Legal Pod Program, email the Managing Lawyer or phone (03) 9113 9500 for a confidential discussion.
Money
Transition to Independent Living Allowance (TILA)
TILA provides young people leaving care with a payment to assist with costs of transitioning from care.
If you are leaving care services you may be eligible for a payment of up to $1500 to cover costs. Three payments under the Commonwealth's Transition to Independent Living Allowance (TILA). TILA can pay for a variety of including
- education
- counselling
- medical costs
- whitegoods like a fridge
- getting a driver's licence
- any other agreed items.
You can get TILA up to the age of 25.
You can get both TILA and Better Futures flexible funding.
Your case manager or Better Futures worker can help you apply for TILA.
You can call the Melbourne City Mission Leaving Care Hotline on 1300 532 846.
Melbourne City Mission administers the TILA program in Victoria.
More information about TILA eligibility is on the Department of Social Services website.
Leaving Care Housing and Support Initiative
Leaving Care Housing and Support Initiative provides young people transitioning from care with transitional housing.
If you are leaving care you may be eligible to access housing via the Leaving Care Housing and Support Initiative program. Referrals to the program are made by Department of Families, Fairness and Housing staff.
For more information on the Leaving Care Housing and Support Initiative, contact your Better Futures worker or call the Leaving Care Hotline 1300 532 846.
There are a limited number of transitional houses available.