About the Home Stretch WA Model
“We recognise that the years between 18-21 are an exceptionally vulnerable age. It’s essential that Aboriginal young people have the support and connections they need to successfully transition to interdependence, when they’ve been living in the care system.”
– Yorganop CEO Dawn Wallam
What is Yorganop Home Stretch?
Home Stretch WA offers young people leaving out-of-home / foster care with one-on-one coaching and other supports, from when they turn 18 and until the age of 21. The Home Stretch WA program was designed with young people with lived experience of having left care and made their way to independent adulthood, often with little, if any help.
Why is it important?
After turning 18, children in out-of-home care in Western Australia are considered legally independent, and many are forced to leave their care and living arrangements. At this age, many young people are finishing their senior year of high school or going through other major life transitions. After leaving foster care, many young people end up homeless, in the criminal justice system, with limited employment and training opportunities if any, and may be struggling with substance abuse and other impacts of trauma. They often lack independent living skills, may have responsibilities for other family members or may become new parents facing the risk of having their child taken into care.
As an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO), Yorganop’s Home Stretch service focuses on the needs of young Aboriginal people.
Yorganop transition coaches are committed to standing alongside Aboriginal young people and supporting them to overcome their challenges, meet their needs, reach their goals, and create the life they want to live.
