Summary：**Griffith University Exposes Heartbreaking Neglect of Older Teens Entering Care***Introduction* A

**Griffith University Exposes Heartbreaking Neglect of Older Teens Entering Care**

*Introduction*
A recent study released by Griffith University has shone a stark light on the systemic shortcomings faced by adolescents aged 15‑17 who enter the out‑of‑home care system. Researchers interviewed over 200 young people, caseworkers, and foster families across Queensland and New South Wales, revealing that older teens frequently receive inadequate support, limited placement options, and insufficient preparation for independent living. The findings, published in the *Australian Journal of Child Welfare*, have prompted immediate calls for policy review and increased funding.

*Key Developments*
The Griffith team identified three core areas of neglect. First, placement instability: older teens experience an average of 3.4 moves within their first year in care, far exceeding the national benchmark of 1.5 moves for younger children. Second, educational disengagement: only 42 % of the surveyed youths remained enrolled in school after six months, compared with 78 % of their peers in stable placements. Third, transition planning gaps: less than one‑third received a formal leaving‑care plan before turning 18, leaving many without housing, income support, or mental‑health services. The researchers also noted that caseworkers cited heavy workloads and a lack of specialised training as barriers to providing age‑appropriate care.

*Industry Analysis*
Child welfare experts argue that the current funding model prioritises younger children, inadvertently marginalising adolescents who present more complex behavioural and emotional needs. Dr. Laura Mendes, a senior lecturer in social work at Griffith, explained, “The system is designed around early‑intervention principles, but adolescents require a different set of resources—life‑skills coaching, flexible housing, and trauma‑informed counselling—that are simply not resourced at the same level.” Industry bodies such as the Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies have echoed these concerns, urging governments to allocate dedicated budgets for teen‑focused programs and to standardise leaving‑care protocols across jurisdictions.

*Future Outlook*
In response to the report, the Queensland Department of Child Safety has announced a pilot initiative that will increase caseworker-to‑teen ratios and introduce mentorship schemes linking older youths with former care leavers.