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Youth Bloom transition
servicesOur Youth Bloom transition services are designed to support young people in the Gold Coast and Logan regions learn skills, make better decisions, and create their own pathways for an independent future.
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Support for young people
in care and beyondWe understand the challenges that young people in care (especially those who are at-risk or in difficult circumstances) face when transitioning into adulthood, which is why Open Minds’ Youth Bloom transition services provide compassionate support to young people aged 15 to 21 in the Gold Coast and Logan areas.
This specialised program aims to provide youth support as early as it is needed to avoid the negative environment and personal influences that affect young people leaving care after they turn 18.
We offer a broad range of support to meet their individual needs, from lack of formal support and underdeveloped skills to more complex issues such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug issues (AOD), intellectual impairments, and other physical disabilities.
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Am I eligible for Youth Bloom?
- 15-21 years of age
- Living in (or have lived in) “out of home” care under the guardianship of the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety
- Have a disability, mental health support needs, or other reasons that make leaving care or being on your own difficult
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What does Youth Bloom provide?
- Help to identify strengths, goals and skills
- Support for navigating social housing options
- Assistance with Centrelink
- Help navigating education options
- Assistance with applications for the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT), National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Youth Housing and Reintegration Services (YHARS), or Transition to Independent Living Allowance (TILA)
- Help with developing daily living skills such as cooking, transport, budgeting, social skills, communication skills
- Increasing community linkages to reduce social isolation
- Maintaining support into early years of adulthood: work, friendship groups, housing and emotional regulation through expressive therapies such as Symbol work and Sandplay therapy.
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What other support does Youth Bloom offer?
- Court attendance and access to legal support
- Mental health and wellbeing support
- Referral to alcohol and other drugs (AOD) services
- Anger/stress management
- Education and traineeship
- Group activities
- Individual arts and crafts activities
- Physical activities (hiking/swimming/camping)
- Access to free items such as clothing, electronics, furniture, and sports equipment
- Support to understand employment goals and how to reach them
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What does Youth Bloom cost?
This program is government-funded. There are no out-of-pocket expenses to the young person or their family.
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We offer Youth Bloom support at the following locations:
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We’re here for you for
the whole processWe believe that everyone deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported, and we are committed to providing a safe and confidential space for young people to share their experiences and seek help. If you’re wondering about our Youth Bloom transition services, you can learn more with the following process:
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Reach out to us
Let us know how we can help! Contact us by giving our friendly team a call or by filling out our online enquiry form with your details and the assistance you’re after. The more information is always better, so that we can properly understand your needs and provide the right support for you.
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We’ll consider your needs
Our team will consider your information, and support you to navigate the process of finding the right supports
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On your way to a positive future
From here, you can rest assured that Open Minds will be committed to providing you with an optimal support network to assist with your needs.
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Client story
B.J., 18 years old from Logan, is kicking goals and staying out of trouble thanks to the support he receives from Open Minds Youth Bloom transition services.
B.J., who identifies as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, was placed in the foster care system at only three days old and has lived with many families throughout South East Queensland, in locations such as Esk, Toowoomba, Gatton, Ipswich, and Logan.
From the age of 13 he was deep in a life of crime including theft, dealing drugs and violent offences resulting in time being served in a detention centre.
In November 2020, B.J. reached out to Open Minds Youth Bloom Transition Services seeking support to develop the skills, knowledge and connections needed to live independently and turn his life around. He was introduced to Transition Officer, Larry, who for the past 10 months has joined B.J. on his journey in a compassionate, supportive, and mentoring role.
Larry has spent time with B.J. each week, assisting him with parole and attending courts, taking B.J. to job agencies and offering ongoing motivation.
B.J. said, “Before getting support from Larry, I felt like I was never thinking with a clear head and now I’ve learnt not to stress in situations. The mental support has helped keep me on the straight and narrow and my head on my shoulders.”
“I enjoy hanging out with Larry, he is like a best friend and mentor. When we’re together we achieve nothing but progress.”
“The best thing that I have achieved in the past year is getting the support that I need to stay out of jail. Now I’m starting to set goals for the future, where I can earn some extra money to save and eventually buy a house at Mooloolaba”, B.J. said.
Having spent the past four years working with the youth community, Larry said, “It’s really important to offer support without judgement and give them what they need to make good choices and live well. If my clients are happy, I’m happy. It’s great to see B.J. smiling again.”
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