Vulnerable teenagers who have aged out of the ACT's foster care system are being plunged into homelessness or turning to crime because the territory's housing authority is rejecting their applications for lacking a rental history, a damning new report has claimed.
From State Care to True Homelessness
The Official Visitors ACT annual report for 2024-25 details the case of one high-needs 18-year-old who became homeless immediately after leaving residential care, which is a group home staffed by social workers. After ageing out of the system, the teenager was forced into a women's refuge, only to be later evicted into a state of what the report describes as "true homelessness."
The independent advocacy body stated that Housing ACT frequently denies support to these young people, often placing those who do receive help in areas known for high drug use and high crime. The core of the issue, according to the report, is an "unrealistic expectation" placed on care leavers.
"Housing ACT often advises that there is no rental history available and therefore the young person does not meet the criteria for a housing property," the report said. "This is an unrealistic expectation for a young person, especially those who have lived in [out-of-home care]."
A Descent into Crime for Basic Survival
The report outlines another tragic outcome, where a different young person who aged out of a group home ended up in youth detention. The individual reportedly committed crimes simply to obtain food and money.
"They wanted to change their criminal behaviour, get stable accommodation and work, however they needed immediate contacts to provide for their basic needs and support," the report claimed. This example starkly highlights the desperate situation young people face when they step out of the state-supported care system without adequate safety nets.
Last year, the ACT government made a landmark move, becoming the first Australian jurisdiction to extend support for children in out-of-home care until they turn 21. However, Official Visitors noted that while there has been increased funding for young people in care, the lack of options for after-care support remains deeply concerning.
Systemic Failures and Funding Gaps
The problems extend beyond government housing. A Barnardos program designed to support this vulnerable cohort with housing and case management is reportedly unable to accept new participants due to a lack of capacity. The report also stated that the support provided is often insufficient, with young people being housed in unsafe areas.
In one instance, Barnardos was unaware that a young person in its program had been without a working fridge for 11 weeks. The organisation replaced the appliance quickly once notified, but the report suggested this oversight pointed to a potential lack of consistent case management.
Barnardos confirmed the scale of the challenge, stating its Community Adolescent Program supports nearly 100 young people aged 15 to 24, with ACT government funding to house only 17 of them. "Sadly, the number of young people referred is more than can be placed due to a lack of vacancies and affordable housing options in the ACT," a statement from Barnardos said.
Official Visitors also reported that other charities, including MacKillop Family Services and Capability Support, feel a moral obligation to help young people after they age out, even though they are not funded to provide this ongoing support.
According to the report, there were 668 children and young people in the care of the ACT government in the 2024-25 period. The ACT government's own website states that care leavers may be eligible for assistance with accommodation and other needs, with a legal obligation to provide help to those under 21 where appropriate.
