Better Futures helps young mob in care services transition into independent living.

Who is this program for?

• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander young people, from 15 years and 9 months, to 21 years.  
• Living in either foster care, kinship care or residential care and on one of the following Court Orders:  
  • Family Reunification Order (FRO)  
  • Care by Secretary Order (CBSO)   
  • Long Term Care Order (LTCO)  
  • Permanent Care Order (PCO).  
• If on an Interim Accommodation Order or a Family Preservation Order, speak with case manager to see what other options and supports are available. 

Get started

• It begins with a referral by your case manager into one of the many ‘Better Futures’ providers across the state.  
• The first step is to understand what your goals are for living on your own. There’s funding available to support you achieve these goals and together we decide what’s the best way for you to use this funding.  
• Some of the ways this funding can be used include: 
  • going to cultural events with your family  
  • getting stuff for your place (furniture, appliances, kitchen utensils)  
  • making sure you’re healthy and strong (gym/sport club memberships, parenting support, health appointments)  
  • supporting your education and employment goals (getting your driver’s licence, studying a course, learning a trade or getting sharp clothes for an interview.) 
• Once you turn 18, you might be eligible for additional ‘Homestretch’ funding. Depending on your situation and goals, this can help with rent and other home-related costs.  
• As the program progresses, you learn the skills to run your own place, pay rent, cover utilities, go to health appointments and live independently.  

More information

Here’s some videos to get you started and learn more about this program.

           Home Stretch Funding                                  Flexible Funding                              Information for Carers

For Young People

• Leaving Better Futures - Eastern (PDF) - Find resources and information to help support your independence in Melbourne's East - Accessible (WORD doc)
• Independent Living Document Checklist (PDF) - Documents and personal resources you'll need when living on your own - Accessible (WORD doc)
• Levels of Support (PDF) - See how Better Futures workers will change the way they support you along your journey - Accessible (WORD doc)
• Funding with Better Futures (PDF) - Find out about Better Futures flexible funding and how this can support your goals for independence - Accessible (WORD doc)

For Carers

• Better Futures - Information for Carers (PDF) - Essential information for Carers with a child entering the Better Futures program - Accessible (WORD doc)

For Practitioners and Sector Professionals

• Better Futures Eligibility (PDF) - Find out if a young person you work with is eligible for the Better Futures program - Accessible (WORD doc)
• Roles and Responsibilities (PDF) - Learn what role Better Futures workers play in supporting a young person's journey to independence - Accessible (WORD doc)

Locations