The average age at which Australians leave home is now 26. That reflects a range of factors including economics, but it makes clear just how long and how much young people rely on their families.

Children in care – who may have little or no family support, weak social networks and limited career prospects – may have to fend for themselves from age 18.

The Alliance believes that:

• much more should be done to prepare children for leaving care, and
• that support should be extended beyond the age of legal adulthood.

Click to learn more about preparation for leaving care programs:

• Crossroads West
• Wanslea
• Mission Australia