Children in out-of-home care are less likely to finish school. Victoria is launching an inquiry to understand why

Victoria’s commissioner for children and young people is launching a systemic inquiry into the schooling experience of those in out-of-home care. Photograph: Ben Birchall/PA Archive/PA Images

Jane* was about to start VCE at a new high school when she was removed from home by Victorian child welfare authorities. She planned to spend the night at a friend’s place with her twin sister, and ended up staying four months.

Jane says she was fortunate. Although she had to summon up the courage to tell her new school about the situation, once she did they provided her with valuable support in terms of her broader wellbeing, but also with practical matters such as how to get a birth certificate.