Some Young People in Out of Home Care are not developing personally as they should, they are not advancing or progressing! They are ‘Stuck in Transition’ and are becoming ‘stuck cases’ for caseworkers, case managers and carers.

Most young people stuck in transition have had an abundance of casework, treatment and support. Some young people are diagnosed with ADHD, depression, anxiety and conduct related disorders, most lack self-confidence and have low self-esteem. Many young people who are stuck have low or no motivation toward the achievement of case and care plan goals or their own personal development. They have no direction and are unsure about what to do next. Some young people actively defy or refuse caseworker or carer support, assistance and direction. Being stuck has set backs including video game addiction, drug & alcohol use and petty crime. Often the frustration of being stuck can lead to defiant, hostile and aggressive behaviours.

The Intensive Support OOHC Adolescent Program uses coaching and mentoring interchangeably to lever and move the young person on from a stuck position. Mentoring which is long-term relationship based focuses on supporting the growth and development of the young person whilst coaching focuses on improving performance to higher levels in the short term. The aim is to improve the life skills and level of independence that helps the young person get ‘unstuck’ and back on track. 

The Intensive Support mentor/coaching model is based upon solution-focused and strengths-based frameworks. The minimum level of qualifications and experience for the mentor or coach is Certificate IV in Mentoring/Coaching or similar training, and/or two year of experience in Mentoring/Coaching related work, or lived experience of Out-of-Home Care or cultural competence. Intensive Support p/l is an approved Casework Support Scheme (CSS) provider, the Adolescent Program is charged using ‘CSS Mentor’ rates.

For more information about the OOHC Adolescent Program, please call  02 9144 1447 or 0422 9144 20