Foster youth with autism left without updated disability support as NDIS plan lags
A 19-year-old former foster child in Hobart, Coby, lacked essential independent-living support because his NDIS plan was not revised for years, prompting a delayed move to supported housing.
Coby, a 19-year-old former foster child in suburban Hobart, struggled to acquire basic life skills because his National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan had not been updated since he was ten, despite his autism, ADHD and intellectual disability. Child Safety Services staff admitted the plan was misaligned with his present needs and blamed chronic under-resourcing for the oversight. When Coby turned 18, his case coordinator presented limited housing options, including staying with his foster parents, moving to a shelter, or couch-surfing, before the plan was finally revised to fund his stay in a supported independent-living house until 2028.
Although he now receives daily support and feels safe in the residence, he remains anxious about potential moves, especially to public housing, and has stopped returning agency calls. Advocates, including KFAT CEO Kim Backhouse and Greens MP Cecily Rosol, highlighted systemic gaps in transitioning foster youth with disabilities into adult services.
Why it matters
The case shows how gaps in disability planning can leave vulnerable youth without essential support during a critical life transition.
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