The chilling extent of disadvantage young people in care experience has been revealed in Anglicares Children in Care Report Card 2014.
The chilling extent of disadvantage young people in care experience has been revealed in a new study published by Anglicare Children in Care Report Card 2014.
Among the key findings in the report, compared to young people in the general community, those in care;
- Are twice as likely to experience mental and chronic health issues
- Are more likely to be bullied at school
- Have fewer friends outside school
- Are less likely to be involved in sport and leisure activities
- Are more likely to find it difficult to acquire skills necessary for minimum wage jobs
- Youth AOD workers will not be surprised to hear that young people in care even have reduced ability to understand information on a payslip or Centrelink payment advice letter or organise 100 points of identification than young people in the general community.
The launch of this report coincides with Federal Governments proposals to change the level of financial support available to young people leaving care and looking for work from Newstart to the lower Youth Allowance. (link)
Speaking at the launch of the report, Anglicare Victoria CEO Paul McDonald stated, “Young disadvantaged Australians entering today’s workforce do not have the financial or domestic support their peers enjoy. It is at this crucial point where we should be increasing, not removing, support as they leave care to fend for themselves.”
