Arabic version: تحديث خطة «إن دي آي إس» الخاصة بكوبي بعد فجوات في دعم الرعاية البديلة
According to ABC News, Coby, a 19-year-old former foster child with level 2 autism, ADHD and an intellectual disability, was not prepared for independent adulthood after his NDIS plan was left largely unchanged from ages 10 to 17. The plan was ultimately updated to let him remain in a supported living home until 2028.
Coby lived with foster carers until shortly before his 18th birthday, then moved into a supported independent living house in suburban Hobart with two other residents. He said he wants to improve skills including cooking and handling money, and requires prompts to prepare food and take medication. He said moving would affect his mental health because he would lose familiar workers and support.
Child Safety Services staff acknowledged problems in emails to Coby’s foster parents, saying a review had not occurred for three years and that his plan had been rolled over with limited updates. Staff described it as “completely out of whack with his current wants and needs” and cited funding, resource and staffing constraints that limited responses to carers’ concerns.
While approval and funding for his supported accommodation were being considered, Coby was offered two public housing properties with about four hours of care support each day. After he rejected them, a case coordinator suggested he consider accommodation at his foster parents’ home, a shelter or couch surfing. Medical reports supported continued 24-hour supervision and urged that he remain in supported living with consistent, trauma-informed staffing.
A Tasmanian department spokesperson said the children and youth system received $150 million in new funding in the last state budget, including funding for three disability service navigator roles. The spokesperson said planning for adulthood occurs well before young people in out-of-home care turn 18, while housing and support arrangements depend on each person’s independence, disability needs, preferences and connections.
