$46.3 million to support young people leaving out of home care

• Election commitment fulfilled with Home Stretch WA delivered State-wide
• Additional $46.3 million in funding to continue the program
• Program extends supports to young people leaving out of home care to the age of 21
• Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations announced to deliver Home Stretch WA services in Goldfields and Wheatbelt

The Cook Government has delivered additional funding of $46.3 million over the next four years to the Home Stretch WA program in the 2024-25 State Budget, ensuring continued support for young people leaving out of home care.

This additional funding will build on the $37.2 million commitment to make Home Stretch WA permanent across the State, following a trial of the program in 2019.

Home Stretch WA supports young people leaving out of home care at the age of 18-years and helps them transition to independent living by providing extended support and resources until the age of 21-years.

The program has now been successfully rolled out State-wide, fulfilling a 2021 State Government election commitment.

Home Stretch WA is on track to provide more than 300 young people individualised support and assistance as they transition out of care and into independence.

Nine Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and three Community Service Organisations have been commissioned to deliver Home Stretch WA to eligible care leavers across the State.  

The program assists young people with access to accommodation, services, employment, education and training opportunities, as well as positive experiences of personal wellbeing and in developing important life skills. There is a strong focus on connecting young people to their support circles and their culture. 

The Goldfields Indigenous Housing Organisation Inc. has recently been appointed to deliver the program in the Goldfields-Esperance region to 20 young people and Yorganop Association Incorporated will provide the program across the Wheatbelt to 28 young people.

Comments attributed to Child Protection Minister Sabine Winton:

"Home Stretch WA is making an important difference to the lives of young Western Australians, many of whom have experienced significant disadvantage.

"It is a significant milestone that the Home Stretch WA program is now rolled out across the State, providing support to young people that need it most.

"It has been a collaborative process between the State Government, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, Community Service organisations, young people and carers.  

"Supporting young people who have been in out of home care as they transition into independence will set them up for a positive future."