Teens in state care ask for support to transition to adulthood
Joshua Prosso spent almost a decade in the care of the Department for Child Protection, an experience he described as "psychological torture". He's calling on the government to reform how it assists wards of the state to transition from the foster system to independent adult life.
Joshua Prosso, who spent nearly a decade in state care, feels ill-prepared for adulthood. He argues that initiatives to aid employment, housing, income, mobility, and essential life skills would greatly benefit wards of the state upon turning 18. The Guardian for Children and Young People has proposed seven recommendations to enhance the state's foster care system.
Prosso, now 19, dedicates his spare time to visiting the graves of relatives he never met due to separation under state guardianship. He describes himself as an amateur genealogist, born from this separation from his family. Prosso spent about eight years in Department for Child Protection residential care, often in group homes with other traumatized youth.
He describes the experience as akin to "psychological torture." Now advocating for others transitioning out of care, Prosso emphasizes the need for support in employment, housing, income, mobility, and life skills. He points out that the department did not provide him with sufficient driving lessons or schooling, leaving him lagging behind his peers.
A recent Guardian inquiry made seven recommendations, including better housing certainty, a clear transition framework, continuity of trusted relationships, and support until age 21. Acting Guardian Sue Macdonald acknowledged the helplessness and hopelessness young people feel when they turn 18, having lost all support from the state.
She emphasized that investing in better support systems would yield better outcomes for the entire community, leading to fewer emergency department visits and interactions with the justice system, and promoting goal-directed behavior like securing a job and education. DCP CEO Jackie Bray stated that the government has invested in various transition and post-care initiatives and is working to improve support further.
Prosso remains frustrated, asserting that change cannot come soon enough, while also finding purpose in his family ancestry research, which has given him a sense of connection and understanding.
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