MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 15 February 2018
Unique investment opportunity to create brighter futures for care leavers and tackle youth homelessness
Anglicare Victoria, VincentCare and the State Government have joined forces in a pioneering new
program to help young people leaving out-of-home care make a successful transition to adulthood and
prevent youth homelessness.
Treasurer Tim Pallas and Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos today unveiled plans for
Compass – one of Victoria’s first Social Impact Bonds.
The program is now seeking investor support.
Anglicare Victoria Chief Executive Officer Paul McDonald said Compass was an exciting opportunity for
investors to make a real difference to the lives of young people and the Victorian community.
Compass will deliver a new model of support for 200 care leavers in Melbourne’s west, inner north and
Bendigo over the next five years. It will provide safe, secure housing along with ongoing support from
case workers to help link them with education, training and job opportunities and boost their health and
wellbeing.
Its success will be measured against targets of reduced homelessness, improved health and reduced
involvement with the criminal justice system, which, if achieved, will deliver tangible benefits for
participants as well as economic returns for the government and other program funders.
“This is a great opportunity for the investment community to set young people up for success as they
leave care and tackle the tough social issue of youth homelessness,’’ Mr McDonald said.
“Young people leaving care – who are often on their own without support from 18 – deserve every
chance to fulfil their potential as adults but face so many more obstacles than most young people in the
community, who live at home with family support well into their 20s.
“Research shows they are more likely to be homeless, unemployed, suffer mental health problems or
be involved in the criminal justice system than other young people. But the evidence shows that with
the right support care leavers can achieve better life outcomes.’’
VincentCare CEO John Blewonski said providing stable housing and ongoing support services for care
leavers is a critical part of breaking the cycle of disadvantage.
“Providing a safe, secure home removes the uncertainty many young people face when they leave care
and puts them in the best possible position to thrive and develop the skills they need for the future,’’ he
said.
“Having a roof over their head and the support they need to look after their health, find a job or get
involved in education and training will help young care leavers make a successful transition to adult
life.’’
For further enquiries contact: Media Team at media@anglicarevic.org.au
Tel: 0419 035 117
Read the Minister’s media release, ‘Making things fairer for young people leaving care.’
