Tell me more about how aftercare works

These are the steps involved in aftercare services:

Step 1: Referral

To avail from the aftercare services you will need a referral. You can do a self-referral at any of the drop in service clinics in your area. A social worker, social work department, agency or family/foster family  member can also do it on your behalf.

Step 2: Needs Assessment and preparation for leaving care (age 16 - 17)

You complete a written form together with  an aftercare worker and other people who may support you such as a key worker, or foster carer. This process will  help you identify the areas where you need support. This may include accommodation, finance and budgeting, education, employment or other matters.  The needs assessment will  inform your aftercare plan and help determine the services offered to you such as whether or not an aftercare worker will be assigned to you.

Step 3: Aftercare plan (from six months before you turn 18 up to 21 years old) 

Aimed to teach independent living skills, build on the needs previously identified and on any new ones that may have come up, and continue to support you after leaving care

Step 4: Ongoing support from your Aftercare worker and drop in services clinics (age 18 - 21)