Aboriginal young people leaving care in New South Wales (NSW) face serious and enduring challenges as they transition into adulthood. Many are stepping into independence, with inadequate housing options, limited financial support and a shortage of culturally safe services. This leaves them vulnerable to homelessness, poverty, social exclusion and at higher risk of involvement with the criminal justice system. 

This report investigates the structural drivers of these poor outcomes and sets out a roadmap for reform. The report examines the current housing landscape for Aboriginal young people exiting care, extended care arrangements and available financial entitlements across Australia, while identifying best practice initiatives within Australia and internationally. It also examines supports beyond housing such as education, employment, health and wellbeing and cultural connection – all that are essential for successful transitions to adulthood.

Despite reforms across Australia extending care supports to age 21, no jurisdiction guarantees housing for young people leaving statutory care as they do in jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom. Although there are states that set out that young people exiting care are a ‘priority’ cohort for social housing such as in Victoria, NSW is not one of them.