AN innovative program is giving young people leaving state care like Lisa Shaw and Blayde James Johnson (pictured) a chance to make the most of life.
Anglicare Victoria’s Breaking the Barriers program plugs a gap that has seen many young people left in the lurch once they hit 18.
Regional manager Claire Nyblom says young people leaving state care are at greater risk of suffering homelessness, substance abuse issues and unemployment.
She says the new program prepares them for independent living through support in finding housing, job training or employment.
Case workers help young people aged up to 21 with housing, study or work opportunities. Anglicare is working with 28 western suburbs youths.
