Young people in our Intensive Therapeutic Care (ITC) homes are recovering from the most severe forms of trauma, neglect, abuse or adversity. When they near adulthood and seek employment and housing, they do so alongside the challenges of their own recovery—and with far less support than most of their peers.

Will* is one of these young people, and the resilience he has shown in successfully navigating the complex process of transitioning from a care home to independent living is inspiring.

At the age of 16, Will moved into an Anglicare ITC home, and like most young people in care, he arrived with a history of trauma and disadvantage. Over the past few years, however, with the support of his dedicated care team, Will has grown into a mature and determined young man, who has earned the admiration of colleagues and mentors alike.  

Will’s care team worked alongside him to set personal goals and watched as he started to engage with others and develop crucial life skills. He joined a sports team, began going to the gym and participating in community programs.

Learning to trust Anglicare staff members, Will accepted their help with emotional regulation, job applications, and financial management. This led to him securing a full-time job at a local supermarket, which he successfully balanced alongside his studies.

Will’s academic growth and social development were evident when he successfully completed Year 12, attended his school formal and was celebrated by peers and teachers with whom he’d cultivated meaningful relationships.

At just 19 years old, Will is showing himself ready for personal independence. He has secured a rental property close to his former foster parent, to ensure ongoing support. He attained car and motorbike licences, saved up and purchased his own motorbike and is employed full-time.

Will’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and support—it proves that with the right guidance, encouragement, and resources, young people leaving care can not only survive, but thrive. Will continues to set goals for himself. His dream is to become a firefighter, and with the resilience he has shown already, we feel confident he will achieve it.

Anglicare provides a range of Out of Home Care options. Find out more about the different types of foster carers, and if you could help, on our Foster Care page.

*Names  have been changed and stock photos used to protect identities.