Zac’s story
When I turned 18, I didn’t suddenly feel like an adult who had everything figured out.
I was still learning how to manage everything. Life, emotions and responsibilities, just like everyone else my age. But, unlike the others that are my age, I was working against a clock to utilise support for as long as I could. Having support until 21 meant I wasn’t shown the door before I was ready.
That extra time gave me space to grow. I could make mistakes, ask questions and work things out knowing there was still someone there if things went wrong. It helped me build confidence and stability, rather than constantly feeling like I was one step away from everything falling apart.
Extended care didn’t fix everything. It at least gave me a safer foundation to move forward and start building an independent life on my own terms.
Seth’s story
What the Home Stretch program has done for me has been incredible.
They’ve non-stop supported me with the funding I needed to continue my schooling, as well as essentials like clothing and everyday living costs.
I’m grateful to have had them in my life. If they weren’t in my life I would have never gotten help from anyone, from keeping my anxiety to myself, to never asking anybody for support. I’m incredibly grateful.
Hannah’s story
I missed out on Home Stretch support by just one year. Because of that, I became homeless before my 19th birthday.
I didn’t get my driver’s licence until I was 24 because I had no parent to help me get my hours and I struggled to provide references when applying for jobs.
My friends who weren’t in care didn’t face these barriers at 18. On paper, the government was my legal guardian, so why was I treated the same way my parents treated me?
That’s why Home Stretch is important to me. Nobody should have to struggle to access basic opportunities and human rights simply because they turned 18. Extending support gives young people leaving care a fairer chance at the stable future they deserve.
