There are calls to keep foster children in care for longer as the current level of support “almost guarantees homelessness”.  

Half of 18- and 19-year-old care-leavers will find themselves in prison, homeless or becoming new parents within 12 months.

Meanwhile, more than one third bounce between five or more addresses as they try to find somewhere to live.

A coalition of more than 200 child welfare organisations, called the Home Stretch, says extending voluntary foster care until the age of 21 is necessary.

Home Stretch chair Paul McDonald told Sofie Formica an extra three years of care could halve the homeless rate, double employment and reduce care-leavers’ presence in the justice system by 40 per cent.

“The system in one hand grows them up very quickly … but in other ways, they’re really babies,” he said.

“They’re unprepared to go out and fend for themselves, financially, domestically and also psychologically.

“We’re just sending them out without that support.”

He said the long-term benefits of such a change would be “extraordinary”.

“For every $1 spent by the Queensland government extending care, they will save themselves, straight into treasury coffers, $5.40.

“That is in relation to not only an economic benefit but the great social good.”

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Image: Getty