At just 20, Jesse Miller understands better than most what a safe and stable home can mean – and he’s welcoming new Victorian legislation that will extend support for care leavers until the age of 25.
The legislation passed by the Victorian Parliament earlier this month, will fundamentally redefine the obligations and responsibilities of a state government towards a child in care and a care leaver up to the age of 25.
“This is a phenomenal change that could significantly transform the lives of young people navigating the transition to independence,” Mr Miller said.
Now almost 21 and preparing to begin a new role as a frontline emergency services worker, Mr Miller has first-hand experience of the care system, having been supported by Meli’s foster care program and the additional services for care leavers through Better Futures Barwon.
Meli has welcomed the reform alongside Mr Miller, describing it as a major step forward in improving outcomes for care leavers.
Mr Miller has been advocating for extended care since he was 16, contributing his personal experience to the Home Stretch campaign that successfully lobbied to extend the age of support from 18 to 21.
He entered foster care as a toddler and moved through multiple placements before finding a permanent, loving foster home, and credits his foster mum with providing the safety and stability that helped him grow into adulthood.
“I was lucky to have a foster mum who stayed in my corner, but many young people don’t have that to fall back on. I’ve seen others leave care and end up with nowhere to go – some turning to drugs, unsafe situations or anything they can to survive. No one should be left to navigate those years alone,” he said.
Around 1,700 young people are discharged from out-of-home care nationally each year, with one in three becoming homeless within their first year. In Victoria, 54 per cent of young people leaving care experience homelessness within four years, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
Young people leaving care often face challenges their peers do not. While many rely on parental support well into their twenties, care leavers are expected to manage independence much earlier- often without the networks, housing stability or financial security others take for granted.
The Children, Youth and Families Amendment (Supporting Stable and Strong Families) Bill 2025, creates a “nation leading” model of shared responsibility across government to improve outcomes for children, young people, and families.
Meli CEO Robyn Hayles said the reform responds to longstanding calls from practitioners and sector experts – and the benefits would be significant.
“Extending support to the age of 25 is a critical step. It will ensure vulnerable young people can keep accessing the help they need as they transition into adulthood, offering them better opportunities and improving long-term outcomes,” Ms Hayles said.
“Ultimately, this change gives young people the best chance to thrive – to find a safe place to live, continue their studies and build a career. At Meli, we see every day how much difference consistent, continued support can make in a young person’s life.”
Meli is one of the Geelong region’s major foster care providers, receiving an average of five referrals a week for children needing a home. Foster carers are urgently needed to keep up with the demand. To find out more about becoming a carer go to meli.org.au/fostercare.
Quick Exit