Innovative housing supports to prevent homelessness for young women transitioning from residential out-of-home care in Victoria: A case study of the Bridgeit Cocoon program

Young people transitioning from out-of-home care (known as care leavers) are globally a vulnerable group, and many experience housing instability and homelessness. In 2021, the State of Victoria extended out of home care supports from 18 to 21 years including introduction of a housing allowance for all care leavers. Yet, many of this cohort – particularly those leaving residential group home care – still struggle to access safe and affordable housing. In response, the Bridgeit charity established the co-designed Cocoon Model in the suburb of St Kilda via philanthropic funding to provide a home and community to young women aged 16–21 leaving residential care, as well as other young women and gender-diverse people who have experienced homelessness. This paper draws on three external and internal evaluation studies that used mixed methods to examine the impact of the Cocoon program, including interviews with current and former residents, interviews with current Cocoon workers, and client outcome data. The findings indicate the effectiveness of the Cocoon model in enabling positive outcomes for the young women in key areas such as housing, education and employment, mental health, life skills, social and community relationships and family reunification. 
Keywords: care leavers, housing, residential care, social and community connections.