Caring for a child becoming an adult
If you care for a child, both you and the person you care for will face new issues as they grow up and become more independent. Good planning will help you to manage these challenges.
What might change as they get older
If you are caring for a young adult, you might have new worries and concerns as they grow older. During the period of entering adulthood, young people experience changes and events in their lives and seek increased independence. The period of young adulthood is an important time to look after wellbeing. New relationships, sexual health, identity issues and alcohol and drug use can contribute to increased stress.
Your role might also change as the person you care for grows up. It will become less about organising services for them and more about giving them emotional support and guidance. You might still need to coordinate care for the young person, or assist, until they can do it themselves.
From the age of about 16, the young person may want to start looking after themselves and spend more time alone with health professionals and other service providers. You will probably still be involved and can help their decision making.
What might happen when they leave school
The person you care for will need to decide what they want to do when they leave school. Some options include:
- study at university, TAFE or vocational training
- getting a job – Workforce Australia is a place Australians can search and apply for jobs or find more information about their pathway to employment. Job Access can help people with disability to find and keep jobs, get promoted to a better job and expand their workplace skills. Visit Services Australia (Disability Employment Services - Disability Support Pension - Services Australia) to find out more
- volunteer work
How to plan for a child becoming an adult
If you will continue to be a primary carer for the child you care for when they are an adult, you should consider their future when you are too old to care for them. You will need to think about financial planning, wills, trusts and special arrangements for safeguarding their future.
Young people have the legal right to make decisions about their care when they turn 18. If the person you care for is likely to need help making decisions into the future, you will need to think about arranging guardianship and power of attorney.
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