Introduction to Better Futures
Service scope overview
Better Futures service scope
Better Futures is the key service that supports young people after their transition from care services. It is not case management but instead a coaching and partnership model built on Advantaged Thinking. Better Futures:
- Begins contact up to 6 months before leaving care
- Supports young people aged 16-21
- Provides early advice to care services
- Helps young people access and use Home Stretch
- Builds a pathway to independence, belonging and aspiration.
Care services refer 100% of young people at 15 years and 9 months. This enables Better Futures to see a pipeline of eligible participants and offer early guidance to carers and care services. This collaboration helps ensure a more gradual, supported transition.
Information sharing between Better Futures staff
With the young person’s consent, Development Coaches and Community Connectors should share relevant information about talents, interests and goals to support effective independence planning. This information can also be shared key people in the young person’s life, such as their care team or mentors, to encourage collaboration, alignment and continuity of support.
I invest time in care team meetings so I can understand what’s already happening — and what the young person likes and where they’re starting from.
— Community Connector