Plenary | Paul McDonald: The Home Stretch Reform
| Wednesday, June 11, 2025 |
| 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM |
| Plaza Terrace |
Synopsis
This presentation covers the Home Stretch campaign, which successfully advocated for extending state care to 21 years in Australia. Historically, care ended at 18, leaving many young people vulnerable to homelessness, incarceration, and unemployment. Extending care to 21 has shown to significantly improve outcomes, such as reducing homelessness and increasing education participation.
While all states and territories have committed to the reform, challenges remain, particularly for those leaving residential care, including inconsistent policies and lack of housing support. The presentation will highlight progress, compare policies, and offer recommendations to improve support for this group, drawing on best practices and international examples.
Speaker
Paul McDonald
Anglicare Victoria
The Home Stretch reform
Biography
Paul is the CEO of Anglicare Victoria, the state's largest provider of foster care, family welfare, and youth support services. He is the founding Chair of the national 'Home Stretch' campaign, advocating for extending the age of care from 18 to 21. Previously, he served as Deputy Secretary of the Children, Youth, and Family Division in the Department of Human Services. Paul has chaired several nationally significant committees and was the chair of Victoria’s peak body CFECFW. He received the National Pro Bono 'Influencer Award' in 2020 and the Robin Clark Leadership Award in 2017. Paul is also the Patron of the National Youth Workers Association.
