How services failed a foster child's transition to adulthood
Coby spends his days at his computer. His experiences with Tasmania's Child Safety Services during while in foster care have left him anxious and distrustful, and his NDIS plan failed to prepare him for life as an adult. Then they tried to move him into public housing.
A 19-year-old foster child with autism, an intellectual disability, and ADHD lacks the necessary support to transition into independent adulthood. His NDIS plan, which should have funded these supports, has remained largely unchanged for years. Child Safety Services apologized to his foster parents for the misalignment between his plan and his current needs.
Coby primarily spends his time on his computer, either gaming or coding, as this is the only place where he feels safe and content. However, his independent living skills, such as cooking and managing finances, need significant improvement. Despite his foster parents' concerns, the Child Safety Services offered him various housing options, including public housing with limited care support.
His case coordinator suggested he consider his options for accommodation, but his choice was influenced by medical practitioners who emphasized the need for 24-hour supervision until he gains critical independent living skills. The lack of appropriate assessments for adult needs during Coby's teenage years has resulted in significant challenges as he navigates his transition to adulthood.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
