More than 9,000 Victorian children on average are in out-of-home careA Victorian program boosts tertiary enrolment by nearly 15 times in the past eight years
Among more than 9,000 young people in care each year in Victoria, she felt alienated from her classmates. "That involved focus on helping me create a more positive sense of self and working on my identity and goals," Ms Parrot said. But not all care leavers have the luck of a supportive home that values education, nor the benefit of a La Trobe University scholarship.
Ms Tsorbaris lobbied the government to fund the program, Raising Expectations, which collected data, coordinated scholarships, encouraged enrolments and training at universities. The success of the program has prompted calls to roll it nationwide, using Victoria's model as a template.In a federal government budget submission, Ms Tsorbaris wrote educational access vastly improved later-life outcomes.
Elephant in the room......if Aboriginal kids, we're able to access out of home care, this would be an excellent way of giving them a future. But, alas, considered the stolen generation, afraid of retribution. The kids stay put, and the violence continues.
JasonClareMP Please find funds to expand this terrific program nationally. Please!