Investigators: Melissa O'Donnell (associated investigator)
External collaborators: Anna Ferrante, Reinie Cordier, Donna Chung (Curtin University of Technology); Philip Mendes (Monash University)
Partner: Department of Communities (formerly Disability Services Commission)
Young people in and transitioning from out-of-home care experience a myriad of challenges. Care leavers, including a disproportionate number of Aboriginal young people, experience adverse outcomes across a range of domains leading to high social and economic costs for the Australian community. This longitudinal study uses a population-based method to examine the pathways of young people in and transitioning from out-of-home care in Western Australia. The combined findings from the population-based data, together with an in-depth understanding of their lived experiences will identify a best practice model for improving their transition from care experiences to facilitate improved outcomes.