Paying attention to the future: piloting the Certificate 1 in Developing Independence in out-of-home care settings

This study examined stage 1 of a pilot program to help prepare young people in out-of-home care to navigate the transitions to an independent young adulthood.

Out-of-home care is designed to protect children and young people who are at risk of abuse and neglect, but is often ineffective in helping these young people to remain engaged in education, pursue personal goals and achieve economic independence.

The foundation level Certificate I in Developing Independence, developed for Education First Youth Foyers, is being piloted in residential care as a fresh approach to help address this gap.

The stage 1 evaluation report examined the enablers and barriers to engaging young people and recommended strategies to improve student readiness and adapt residential care practice.