Directions for Out of Home Care

Directions for Out-of-Home Care is the State Government's commitment to better outcomes for children and young people in care.

Announced in May 2009, Directions for Out-of-Home Care was developed following extensive consultation with individuals, community service organisations, and young people living in care.  Their valuable contributions and insights, accompanied by the Department's thorough analysis of trends and drivers, have culminated in a framework for change which incorporates action on 7 fronts: 

Reform Direction 1: Support children to remain at home with their families
Reform Direction 2: A better choice of care placement
Reform Direction 3: Promote wellbeing
Reform Direction 4: Prepare young people who are leaving care to make the transition into adult life
Reform Direction 5: Improve the education of children in care
Reform Direction 6: Develop effective and culturally appropriate responses to the high numbers of Aboriginal children in our care
Reform Direction 7: A child focused system and processes

The Government will commence this reform agenda with $135 million over four years in the 2009 10 State Budget. This investment will increase capacity in a range of out-of home care services to give stable and high quality care placements to children.  A stronger focus will be placed on family based interventions to strengthen preventative responses and ensure families are supported to safely care for their children. Funding will also be provided to enhance the links that young people in residential care have with their local community groups and activities. A stronger focus will also be placed on connecting Aboriginal children with their culture and community.  This includes $10 million over the next four years to redesign residential care facilities to create new-generation accommodation with more welcoming and homely environments. 

The Directions for Out-of-home care report outlines these immediate actions in greater detail, as well as setting out proposals for the next stage of reform.

Further discussion, collaboration and planning is required in working towards the next stage of reform. The Victorian Government will continue its engagement with major stakeholders, including children and young people in care. This work will contribute to a five year strategic agenda which will chart a course for government and the sector, outlining new solutions to achieve better outcomes for children and young people in care.

For more information, please download the Directions for Out of Home Care (PDF 421k) document or contact Michelle Chiko, A/Manager, via email: michelle.chiko@dhs.vic.gov.au.