Exploring Teens Issue 8 / Feb-Mar 2016 | Page 12

YOUR TEEN'S WORLD YOUR TEEN’S WORLD FACTS AFFECTING TEENS When young people exit foster care, they also leave their foster parents and make an attempt to live independently as young adults. They experience little or no support during the transition. Wesley Take Charge of Your Life, a joint project between Wesley Mission and The Rotary Club of Sydney, will target up to 100 young people across Sydney by providing a range of support and counselling services as they move from foster care to independent living. The project will offer young people a package of support options, individually tailored to their unique situation, location and level of need. The package will include mentoring, education and training, and development of life skills. http://bit.ly/22vzvCN Research on the outcomes and experiences of young people in Australia leaving out of home care reveal... Leaving foster care Support for young people leaving foster care Cut the Apron Strings Sisters Suzanne James and Catherine Edman between them have five adult children. Having experienced the rollercoaster ride of their children becoming adults, the sisters decided to share their experiences. As they say, ‘Becoming an independent adult is all about putting together a whole lot of life skills.’ It is these skills you will find in their book Cut the Apron Strings. So, what advice do the sisters have for parents whose children are about to leave home? 1. Listen – communication is vital. Remember it’s their future your children are planning, not [