Supporting Young People

Transition planning

Education planning should form part of the young person’s broader transition plan.

This includes:

• identifying goals early
• exploring career interests
• building life skills
• understanding financial responsibilities
• connecting with mentors or support services

With the right planning and encouragement, young people in care can pursue meaningful education and career pathways.

Exploring post-school pathways

Not every young person will follow the same path — and that’s okay.

Options after school may include:

• Finishing high school
• Traineeship and apprenticeships with Training Services NSW
• Getting a diploma with TAFE NSW
• Going to university
• Finding a job
• Working with a Youth Justice record

The right pathway depends on the young person’s interests, strengths and goals.

Encourage conversations early about aspirations and future plans.

“Knowing we are making a difference to a child’s life and seeing the positive generational changes that can occur is so exciting.”

 Jo-anne, carer, Blakehurst

Teenage Education Payment (TEP)

The Teenage Education Payment (TEP) helps carers support 16- and 17-year-olds in their care to remain in education or training.

• payments of up to $6,000 per year, paid quarterly ($1,500 per term)
• eligible carers must:
  • have a 16- or 17-year-old in their care
  • have received Family Tax Benefit A when the young person was 15
  • live in NSW or care for a young person undertaking education in NSW

Short-term or emergency carers of more than three months are eligible, but respite carers are not. Carers must confirm every six months that the young person continues in education or training.

The payment can continue after the young person turns 18 if they are completing Year 12 or equivalent full-time studies. It covers costs such as:

• school supplies and uniforms
• tutoring, camps, excursions, holiday programs, sports, recreation, and leadership programs

Key resources:

• Teenage Education Payment
• Teenage Education Payment FAQs for carers
• Teeanage Education Payment FAQs for young people
• Post education Financial Support

Post Care Education Financial Support

Young people in care over 18 may choose to continue living with their carers to finish their HSC. Post Care Education Financial Support provides financial help to maintain living arrangements while completing studies.

Eligibility requires:

• receiving a Care Allowance immediately before the young person turned 18
• the young person being 18–25 years old and living with the carer
• placement ended due to age
• full-time study (15+ hours/week) in HSC, VET, TAFE Certificate IV, or International Baccalaureate

Key resources:

• Education, training and employment
• Leaving care information for young people
• Planning for a young person's future
• Suppors for leaving and after care

Planning for their future - leaving care

Ways Carers Can Support Career Pathways

Make a List

Encourage your teen to reflect on their strengths, interests, and aspirations. Ask questions like:

• What do they enjoy doing?
• What are they good at?
• What kind of lifestyle do they imagine for themselves?
• What makes them happy?

Write down their answers and explore potential careers that align with these ideas. Share your perspective on their strengths and suggest jobs they might not have considered. Once you’ve identified areas of interest, research what education, training, or experience is required for each option.

Job-Seeking Support

There are free services that can help your teen prepare for work and find employment. These include:

• Centrelink– financial and career support
• JobAccess – specialised support for young people with disabilities
• JobActive – government job services and training programs

“I like to think my foster family treats me like their own family, and does their best to give me the support I need, but they let me be independent where I can be as well. Free will is the one thing that makes me feel safe in a placement.”
 

17-year-old girl

Champion Creative Pathways

If the career your teen wants isn’t immediately accessible, help them think creatively about how to get there. Options include:

• Volunteering or unpaid work experience (ensure it is safe and not exploitative)
• Starting in a junior role within the industry
• Exploring related roles or training opportunities

Encourage patience and persistence. Setbacks are normal, but staying committed increases the chances of achieving their goals.

Talk About Personal Skills

Employers value both skills and attitude. Help your teen:

• Understand professional communication versus casual conversation
• Ask questions and show interest in learning on the job
• Build resilience and confidence in their abilities

Reassure them that it’s okay not to know everything on the first day — curiosity and a willingness to learn are highly valued by employers.

Ladder Step Up Program

The Ladder Step Up Program supports young people aged 17–20 who are leaving out-of-home care. It includes:

• 8 weeks of group training to develop skills and confidence
• 26 weeks of education, employment, or training in an area of interest
• Mentoring opportunities from AFL players, corporate leaders, and community members

Mentors provide trusted guidance, advocacy, and motivation to help young people reach their goals.  Talk to your caseworker to request your teen gains a placement.

Supports after leaving care