Supporting young people to have the confidence and skills to transition from residential care to independent living.
The goal was to gradually step back while maintaining a foundation of support, allowing the Young Person to build confidence and independence at their own pace.
The Infinity Community Solutions Ltd (ICS) Therapeutic Residential Care Team works tirelessly to create positive and lasting outcomes for the children and young people who live with us. Recently our team had the privilege of supporting a Young Person who had lived with ICS for several years as they transitioned from a Residential Care to a NDIS supported-Independent Living (SIL) arrangement.
Building a Foundation of Support
Over the years the Young Person had lived with ICS, the team provided empathetic and patient care tailored to their complex needs, including anxiety, decision-making difficulties, and ongoing support through their NDIS plans. Known for their easy-going personality, the Young Person thrived in a routine-based environment, always prioritising others and maintaining strong connections with family members outside the household.
As the Young Person approached their 18th birthday, the team increased their focus on independence-building skills. With the encouragement of their wider networks of support, who celebrated their achievements, the Young Person felt ready to take on the next stage of their life.
A Thoughtful and Empowering Transition
Transitioning to independence is always a carefully planned process at ICS, but for this Young Person, additional complexities required a tailored approach. The team worked closely with them to build practical life skills, including:
- Managing communications with government authorities like Centrelink
- Budgeting and managing finances
- Navigating public transport
- Completing household tasks and record-keeping
- Building confidence in making decisions and taking ownership of their future which included providing guides to support “Transition to Adulthood” and other information for making the important transition to independency.
Beyond these skills, the team ensured the Young Person had a voice in every aspect of their transition—actively participating in meetings, making their own choices, and feeling empowered in the process.
Collaboration in Action
Collaboration was key to ensuring a smooth transition. The team:
- Coordinated with stakeholders to maintain consistency in care throughout the transition
- Connected the Young Person with the SIL organisation and set up chances for the new team members to get to know them, their routine, and spend time together in their home.
- Creating and sharing memory books with the Young Person and the SIL staff gathered from over the years the Young Person has spent at ICS
- Organised outings for the Young Person to visit to their new home to ease the transition
This approach gave the Young Person time to adjust, meet others living in the home, and to feel comfortable in their new space, reducing feelings of anxiety.
A Successful Transition & A Bright Future
Throughout the transition, the team celebrated milestones along the way, helping the Young Person see this as a positive change. The goal was to gradually step back while maintaining a foundation of support, allowing the Young Person to build confidence and independence at their own pace.
Now settled into their new home, the Young Person is feeling confident in their new environment, with the ICS team visiting on occasion to check-in. This small action is a demonstration of the genuine care and connection the ICS team built over the years.
Beyond the strong relationships formed, this story reflects the dedication and commitment of ICS Therapeutic Residential Care Teams. The team went above and beyond to ensure the Young Person had the skills, support, and encouragement needed to grow into a thoughtful and self-determined Young Person.
At ICS, we believe in fostering hope and promoting positive outcomes, and this story highlights how working together we can achieve and make a difference for the lives of Young Person in care. Beyond that, the story demonstrates how making small steps to go over the standard requirements can go a long way for creating an environment that nurtures and enhances the wellbeing of the Young Person in care.
Infinity Community Solutions Ltd is a boutique, secular social purpose organisation dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals. Through professional, evidence-based services, we empower people to reach their full potential and lead rich, fulfilling lives. Specialising in early intervention, out-of-home care, and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participation, we are committed to delivering impactful, person-centred support that transforms lives and strengthens communities.