Home Stretch goals
We exist to improve life outcomes for young people who have experienced out-of-home care.
While extending care to 21 was a critical reform, care leavers continue to experience poor outcomes across housing, education, employment, health and justice.
Our goal is to ensure governments act in the best interests of care leavers beyond age 21, recognising their ongoing responsibilities as corporate parents. We work to secure policies and systems that provide care leavers with the same support, stability and opportunity that families provide to their own children.
How it works
Home Stretch drives change through national, evidence-based advocacy that centres lived experience.
We work alongside care leavers, First Peoples communities, governments, philanthropy and the broader community to influence policy and practice. Our work combines strategic campaigning, policy development, government engagement and public communications.
By building awareness, strengthening public support, and mobilising cross-sector partners, we help governments recognise their role as corporate parents and implement whole-of-government approaches that improve outcomes for care leavers.
Expected outcomes
Governments recognise their responsibilities to care leavers and invest in policies and standards that improve outcomes for those transitioning from care. Care leavers have stronger avenues to be heard and to feel seen and valued by the community.
Over time, this improves care leavers’ quality of life, including reduced intergenerational disadvantage. Governments benefit from lower long-term costs through reduced reliance on justice, health and crisis services, alongside stronger, more accountable and nationally consistent care leaver systems.
