Towards Independent Adulthood Trial evaluation
Client: Department of Social Services
01/03/2020
The Towards Independent Adulthood (TIA) Trial was conducted over three years from 2017-2020, by Wanslea Family Services in collaboration with Yorgum Aboriginal Corporation (an Aboriginal community organisation), to provide culturally appropriate services to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander participants. The Trial was undertaken as a national project funded by the Australian Department of Social Services and hosted in Western Australia.
ACIL Allen was commissioned, in partnership with the Social Research Centre, to undertake a process and impact review of the trial. The evaluation was required also to consider performance of the Trial compared to similar initiatives in a number of states and territories. A mixed-methods approach to the review was informed by an evaluation framework that guided collection of data predominantly over a two-year period through surveys, interviews, adapted administrative data, and a longitudinal study of a sample of Trial participants.
The evaluation found the Trial improved access to opportunities and provided a more seamless transition for the young people involved across a number of areas including; housing stability, employment, education, relationships, support networks and life skills. Success factors related to the achievement of outcomes include a dedicated, capable workforce, effective collaboration between the leaving care service provider and government, resourcing and case load management, and operation outside the formal child protection system.