Examining the health and mental health care needs and experiences of a group of young people transitioning from out of home care in rural Victoria

Young people leaving state out-of-home care are arguably one of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in society. Many have been found to experience significant health, social and educational deficits. In recent years, most Australian States and Territories have introduced specialist leaving care and after care programs and supports, but there has been only limited examination of policy and practice outcomes. This paper examines the experiences of a group of young people involved in the leaving care and after care support program introduced by St Luke's Anglicare in the Victorian town of Bendigo which provides a strengths-based holistic safety net for care leavers. Particular attention is drawn to their health and mental health needs including issues of substance abuse.