Transitioning from school to adult life is a major milestone for any young person – and for school leavers with disability, this journey can come with additional challenges. As a parent or carer, you might feel torn between protecting your child and pushing them to become independent. How can parents support disabled school leavers in exploring employment opportunities without overstepping? This guide offers compassionate, practical advice on supporting your child with disability into work – without taking over – so they can build confidence and autonomy. We’ll cover open conversations about work and money, building routines (like transport and time management), managing anxiety and setbacks in the job search, and celebrating small wins along the way. Importantly, we’ll also look at the role of SLES (School Leaver Employment Supports) under the NDIS, and how partnering with a provider like Next Gen Youth Employment can help your whole family navigate this transition. By the end of this carer guide to SLES, you’ll have reassurance and tools to be a steady support – a trusted ally – as your young person takes their first steps from school towards meaningful employment.

The Balancing Act: Protecting vs. Promoting Independence

Every parent wants to keep their child safe. Yet as your teenager becomes a young adult, learning to let go while still being supportive is crucial. For many families of young people with disabilities, this balancing act can feel daunting. On one hand, you have years of experience advocating for your child’s needs; on the other, adulthood means allowing them to take charge of their own life decisions. It’s normal to worry that stepping back might result in mistakes or setbacks. However, holding on too tightly can unintentionally send the message that you lack confidence in their abilities.

Support, don’t control. Experts advise that a key mindset shift for parents is to seek to support rather than control what your young person does. When we care deeply about our child’s well-being, the instinct is often to manage every situation to protect them. But if you continue to make all the decisions, your child may become more reliant on you and less confident in their own judgment. Try gradually releasing control in small ways – for example, involve your son or daughter in everyday choices and respect their opinions. “Where you can, let them steer the ship and offer support rather than control,” one guide advises. Over time, these small shifts in responsibility can add up to big gains in autonomy.

Recognise your changing role. As your child moves into adulthood, your role evolves from primary caregiver to more of a coach or partner. You’re still there to guide and advise, but you allow them to take the lead in their own life. This can be an emotional adjustment for parents – you might feel a sense of loss as they become more independent, or anxiety about whether they can cope. Remember that fostering independence is a form of love and protection: you’re equipping them with skills they need to navigate the adult world. It’s okay to start small. Perhaps begin by letting them handle a minor problem or make a low-stakes decision on their own, even if it means they might make a mistake. As one disability advocate put it, “It is great to support, but sometimes it can be easy to mistake protection with support”. Allowing your young person to solve problems without immediately swooping in builds resilience and self-reliance.

Start slowly to ease fears. If you or your child are feeling anxious about this transition, take heart in knowing you’re not alone – big changes naturally come with some fear and anxiety. The key is not to rush the process. A disability support team from Endeavour Foundation recommends making “a series of small steps” toward independence, because if things happen too quickly, fear can take over. By starting slowly – for example, first empowering them with daily life decisions like what to cook for dinner or how to organise their day – you help your child build confidence at a comfortable pace. Each small success will make the next step less intimidating. Over time, these gradual shifts will prepare both of you for bigger milestones, such as joining the workforce.

Above all, keep communication open (more on that below) and remind yourself that everyone (parents included!) is learning as you go. Supporting without taking over is a learning curve, but with patience and practice, you’ll find the right balance that keeps your young person safe while empowering them to spread their wings.

Understanding SLES and NDIS: A Carer’s Guide

One of the most effective ways parents can support a disabled school leaver in the transition to work is by leveraging the supports available through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Chief among these is School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) – an NDIS-funded program specifically designed to help young people with disabilities move smoothly from school into employment or further training. Think of SLES as a bridge between the classroom and the workplace, offering up to two years of personalised support to build the skills, experience and confidence needed for adult work life.

What is SLES? In a nutshell, SLES provides practical, individualised assistance during that crucial post-school period. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, SLES focuses on each participant’s unique strengths and goals. Through a combination of training, mentoring, and hands-on opportunities, a young person in SLES might work on communication and social skills, time management, travel training (using public transport), resume writing, interview practice, and understanding workplace behaviour. They may get to explore different industries via work experience placements, internships or volunteering, to discover what type of job suits them. The ultimate goal is to build work readiness and independence, so that by the end of the SLES program the school leaver is prepared to either enter the workforce or move into another support like Disability Employment Services (DES) for ongoing job help.

Why SLES is valuable for families: Knowing that SLES exists can be a huge relief for parents and carers. It means you don’t have to figure out your child’s employment path all on your own – you have a structured program and professional support to back you up. SLES can “play a vital role in easing [the] transition” to work by providing the necessary skills, independence and confidence for finding and keeping a job. In fact, many parents are already used to supporting their child in an educational setting, and it’s expected that this support will continue as they seek employment. The difference is, with SLES, you have dedicated experts (such as youth job coaches) guiding your son or daughter through the process. This can take some pressure off you as a parent, and also introduce your young person to new mentors and role models.

Next Gen Youth Employment – a specialised SLES provider: When choosing a SLES provider, look for an organisation that offers individualised support, real-world experience opportunities, and clear progress tracking. One such provider is Next Gen Youth Employment, an NDIS-registered service that focuses solely on SLES as its core offering. Next Gen Youth Employment was founded with the goal of being “the bridge between school and a successful career for young people with disabilities”. They pair each school leaver with a dedicated Youth Coach for one-on-one mentoring and support throughout the program. The Youth Coach works closely with the young person to assess their interests and strengths, set career goals, develop an individual plan, and connect them with training, work trials or job placements in the community. Because Next Gen specialises in youth employment, they have built strong partnerships with local employers across various industries, creating more opportunities for participants to secure meaningful work experience, traineeships, or jobs. Their approach is entirely person-centred, breaking the journey into small manageable steps and revolving around each individual’s needs and aspirations. For families, this means your child isn’t just a number – they’re getting personalised guidance and “a blend of personalised guidance and strategic opportunities” to help them transition successfully.

Importantly, Next Gen Youth Employment recognises that the best outcomes happen when families are partners in the process. “Collaboration that connects you with a strong support network, bringing together families, partners, and the community to help you succeed,” is one of Next Gen’s core values. In practice, this means you as a parent or carer are kept in the loop and encouraged to share your insights, while the young person and their Youth Coach drive the day-to-day decisions. In the next sections, we’ll dive into what your role can be during this transition – how you can support job exploration, appointments and NDIS meetings, while gradually handing over more control to your emerging young adult.

Open Conversations About Work and Money

One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to support your school leaver is through open, honest conversations about their future. Talking about topics like work, career dreams, finances, and adult responsibilities can help demystify the transition to adulthood and ensure your young person’s voice is heard. In fact, having open conversations about work and money is often the first step in guiding your child toward independence.

Talk about goals, interests and worries. Start by discussing your son or daughter’s interests, strengths and goals for the future. What kind of job do they imagine themselves doing, or what field intrigues them? Even if they’re unsure, exploring their likes and dislikes can give direction – for example, do they enjoy hands-on tasks, being outdoors, helping people, working with computers? These chats can be casual and ongoing; the key is to make your young person feel safe expressing their hopes as well as their fears. According to transition specialists, “families and carers play a key role in supporting a successful transition” – and a big part of that is talking openly with your young person about their goals and interests. Ask questions and truly listen to their answers. Acknowledge any anxieties they have (“What if I don’t like the job?”, “What if I fail?”) and reassure them that it’s normal to feel nervous, but you’ll face challenges together. If work or further study is a new and daunting concept, start framing it in a positive light – as an opportunity for them to use their talents, meet new people, earn their own money, and grow their independence.

Include money in the conversation. It might feel awkward at first, but discussing money and budgeting is an important part of preparing for adult life. Many young people with disability haven’t had much experience handling money, and some may have difficulties with things like impulse control, planning or understanding numbers. This means they may need extra support to develop good money management skills. You can start small: if your teenager receives an allowance or disability support payment, involve them in deciding how a portion could be saved or spent. Talk about the concept of earning – for instance, how working a few hours a week might give them their “own” money to spend on hobbies or save up for something special. Explain basic concepts like wages, banking, and using cards or online payments (especially since the financial world is increasingly digital). You don’t need to turn this into a dry lecture; use real-life examples and hands-on practice. Maybe you set up a budgeting routine for a weekly outing: give your child a small amount of money and help them plan a fun activity within that budget, letting them make the choices. This teaches the value of money in a practical way.

Give them a voice in decisions. Crucially, make sure your young person is included in conversations and decisions about their own support and future. It can be easy as parents to talk about our child with teachers, NDIS planners or providers – but we need to also talk with our child. Encourage your son or daughter to speak up about their dreams and preferences at planning meetings or appointments. If your child is verbal, let them answer questions directed to them; if they use non-verbal communication, ensure they have a way to contribute (such as prepared answers on a device, or having them indicate choices). Practicing self-advocacy is empowering. Something as simple as letting your child order for themselves at a café, or describe their symptoms to a doctor, can build their confidence to speak in other settings. “Include them in all family decisions, especially if it’s regarding their development or treatment as they get older. Ask for their opinion and let them have a say,” advises one parenting resource. The same applies to decisions about work and daily life: involve them in discussing schedules, travel arrangements, or whether to take up a course or work experience opportunity. By doing so, you show that you value their input and trust their growing judgment.

Keep conversations positive and regular. Try to make these discussions a natural part of family life, not a one-time “big talk.” You might set aside a weekly chat about how they’re feeling regarding work or any support program like SLES they’re involved in. Celebrate their aspirations and emphasise the positives of taking on new challenges. At the same time, be honest about responsibilities – for example, if they want a job, explain that it comes with commitments like attending on time and putting in effort, but also rewards like a paycheck and pride in their work. By normalising talk about work and money, you prepare your child mentally and emotionally for the road ahead. They’ll learn that they can come to you with questions or for advice, knowing you’ll respect their growing independence.

Building Routines for Independence: Transport and Time Management

One practical area where parents and carers can help without taking over is in building daily routines that mirror the expectations of working life. Many school leavers with disability will need to develop skills in time management and transportation – things like getting up on time, following a schedule, and travelling independently to and from workplaces or appointments. By gradually building routines around these activities, you can boost your young person’s confidence and reliability, while stepping back as they take the reins.

Start a “workday” routine at home. During the final year of school or after graduation, consider establishing a consistent daily routine that will resemble a work schedule. Encourage your young adult to take ownership of their morning routine: for example, set an alarm, wake up by a certain time, get dressed, have breakfast, and be ready to leave the house by when they’d need to for a job or training. If they aren’t used to managing this themselves, begin with gentle prompts and perhaps a visual schedule or phone reminders. Over time, reduce your prompting so they learn to manage the sequence on their own. Practicing this on days they have appointments or SLES activities can be very effective. In SLES programs like those run by Next Gen Youth Employment, participants often work on time management skills – learning to stick to schedules, meet deadlines, and balance tasks during the day. You can reinforce this at home by having set times for certain activities (like writing a resume at 10 AM, or catching the bus at 3 PM) to simulate the structure of a workday. Not only does this build good habits, it also helps reduce anxiety by making the day predictable and organized. Routines allow your child to “be prepared and know what is expected of them at different times”, which is particularly helpful if they are on the autism spectrum or have anxiety.

Practice travel skills (transport training). Getting to work or a program independently is a huge step toward adulthood. Many young people with disabilities have never navigated public transport alone, so they’ll need practice and support to learn this skill. You can start by travel training together: take the bus or train with your young person to a familiar destination, narrating the steps (reading timetables, buying a ticket or using a travel card, knowing which stop to get off). Then switch roles – have them lead the journey while you accompany quietly. School Leaver Employment Supports programs often include travel training for this very reason. For instance, a SLES provider might help participants learn how to plan travel routes and use public transport safely, gradually building up to solo trips. You can mirror this at home by setting small challenges: “How about you take the train to the library and meet me there?” Initially, you might follow at a distance or meet them halfway if needed. Eventually, as confidence grows, they can try travelling solo. “For example, you may be able to encourage your loved one to catch the train to the grocery store and pick up the shopping,” one guide suggests – “initially they may need support on these trips, but after a while they may be able to go independently.”. Completing a successful independent trip – even a short one – can be a huge boost to their self-esteem (and a relief to you!).

Teach time management tools. Being on time is a critical work skill, and it’s one that might not come naturally to everyone. Help your young person discover what tools or strategies work for them. This could include using smartphone alarms, calendar apps, or a simple written checklist each day. If your child has executive functioning challenges (common in ADHD, autism, etc.), breaking tasks into a checklist can really help them stay on track. For example, list the steps they need to do each morning and evening as part of their routine, and gradually fade out the list as it becomes habit. During SLES, coaches often assist participants with organising their time and building consistency. In fact, creating “daily rituals and habits” through repetition is key – “if you do something enough times it will soon become second nature”. You might practice this by having a set day for certain activities (like every Monday is resume writing at 10 AM, every Tuesday is a 9 AM gym class to simulate a morning commitment). Repetition and consistency can turn a skill that used to require your reminders into an automatic habit for your young person.

Gradually step back. As your child demonstrates they can handle parts of their routine independently, step back and let them do it without interference. Maybe at first you double-check that they’ve caught their usual bus; later, you trust them to do it and ask them to text you when they arrive instead. By transferring responsibility in small increments – a concept reinforced by disability support experts – you send the message, “I know you can do this.” Don’t forget to praise their successes: “I noticed you were ready 5 minutes early today – great job managing your time!” Positive reinforcement for these small wins (more on celebrating wins later) will encourage them to keep it up. And if there are hiccups (e.g. they miss the bus), treat it as a learning opportunity rather than a failure. Work together on solutions (like checking an alternate route or setting an additional alarm) and remind them that everyone makes mistakes. Over time, these real-life practice runs in routine-building will make the actual transition into a job or further training much smoother and less overwhelming for your young person.

Managing Anxiety and Setbacks in the Job Search

The journey from school to employment is rarely perfectly smooth. There will likely be setbacks – whether it’s not hearing back from job applications, struggling in a training course, or feeling overwhelmed by change. Young people with disabilities might experience heightened anxiety during a job search, both due to the typical stresses of job hunting and any additional challenges related to their disability (such as social anxiety, communication difficulties, or past experiences of exclusion). As a parent or carer, one of the most valuable roles you can play is helping your child manage these anxieties and bounce back from setbacks. It’s about being a steady source of encouragement and perspective, without taking over the process.

Acknowledge their feelings. First and foremost, let your young person know that it’s okay to feel nervous, disappointed, or frustrated – these feelings are normal for anyone entering the workforce, and they don’t mean your child isn’t capable. Make space for them to share their worries with you. Sometimes, just talking it out or having a parent listen empathetically can ease a lot of stress. Avoid the urge to immediately “fix” the problem or dismiss their concerns with “Don’t worry about it.” Instead, validate them: “I can see why that interview made you anxious – interviews make most people nervous. I’m proud of you for trying it.” By labeling and normalising the anxiety, you help reduce its power. If your child deals with severe anxiety, consider involving a therapist or counselor who understands disability, as part of their support team.

Equip them with coping strategies. Help your child develop tools to handle stress and setbacks. For example, if rejection from a job application hits hard, encourage them to take a break and do something they enjoy to recharge (go for a walk, play a game, meet a friend). Teach them relaxation techniques that work for them – maybe deep breathing, listening to music, or using a weighted blanket – which they can use before a nerve-wracking event like an interview. Another useful strategy is role-playing scenarios: practice common interview questions or challenging workplace situations at home in a low-stress environment. This kind of rehearsal can build confidence and reduce anxiety when the real situation arises, because it doesn’t feel completely unknown. Parents can also share their own experiences of setbacks. Talk about a time you didn’t get a job you wanted, or made a mistake at work, and how you coped and learned from it. This reinforces that setbacks are a part of life and can be overcome.

Stay positive and persistent. It’s important to keep the bigger picture in mind and not let temporary setbacks derail the journey. Encourage a “keep trying” attitude. Remind your young person that finding the right opportunity can take time, and each small step is progress (even if it doesn’t immediately result in a job offer). As one career guide notes, “every application is progress toward the right fit” – so an interview that didn’t lead to a job is still valuable practice for the next one. If an employment situation doesn’t work out, help your child reflect on what they learned from it. Perhaps they gained new skills or discovered that a particular environment wasn’t for them – that’s useful information for moving forward. “The reality is that some employment situations don’t work out, and helping a child manage disappointment and feelings of rejection can be a good life skill,” notes one special needs employment advisor. By framing a “failure” as a learning experience, you teach resilience. You might say, “I know it’s disappointing that the work trial ended, but think of how much you learned about office work and how proud we are that you gave it a go.”

Encourage problem-solving and seeking support. When challenges arise, resist immediately solving them for your young person. Instead, guide them to think through solutions. For example, if they feel overwhelmed in a training course, brainstorm together: Could they talk to the instructor about accommodations? Would breaking the work into smaller chunks help? By involving them in problem-solving, you empower them. At the same time, reassure them that asking for help is okay. There are many supports available: their SLES youth coach, teachers, or even understanding employers can often make adjustments if they know what the issue is. Part of self-advocacy (which you’ve been fostering through open conversations) is knowing when and how to ask for what you need. If your child is in a Next Gen Youth Employment SLES program, encourage them to communicate any anxieties to their Youth Coach – these coaches are experienced in supporting young people through the ups and downs of job seeking and can offer strategies or just a listening ear. Next Gen Youth Employment’s approach is very much about mentoring and ongoing support, so the Youth Coach can help your child navigate challenges on the journey. As a parent, showing that you trust the coach and encouraging your child to lean on that support can strengthen their ability to cope independently.

Finally, remember to take care of your anxiety too. Seeing your child struggle can be incredibly hard on a parent. If you find yourself getting very stressed about their setbacks, it’s important to manage those feelings (talk to a friend, a support group, or a counselor if needed) so that your own anxiety doesn’t accidentally amplify your child’s. By staying calm and optimistic, you model the resilience you want them to learn. Together, celebrate the courage your young person shows by even attempting these steps – because every small victory builds their capacity to handle the next challenge.

Celebrating Small Wins and Milestones

In the marathon of helping a young person with disability transition to employment, celebrating small wins can make all the difference. Every step forward – no matter how minor it may seem – is worthy of recognition. By acknowledging these victories, you boost your child’s confidence, sustain their motivation, and make the journey a positive experience for the whole family.

Why small wins matter: Job searching and skills-building can be hard work, and progress might be slow or incremental. If you only celebrate the “big” outcomes (like landing a job), you and your child could end up feeling discouraged in the meantime. Recognising the little achievements helps keep spirits high and reinforces that they are making progress. As one career resource notes, “Job searching can be emotionally taxing. Set realistic goals, celebrate small wins (like securing an informational interview), and reach out to peer support… Persistence is key.”. That pearl of wisdom applies here: maybe your child hasn’t found a paid job yet, but did they finish a two-week work experience stint? Complete a short course or training module? Attend an interview, even if they were shaking with nerves? Those are all small wins that deserve celebration.

Identify and acknowledge milestones. Sit down with your young person and define some achievable short-term goals that lead toward employment. These could be as straightforward as writing their first resume, applying to three jobs, attending a jobs skills workshop, mastering taking the bus alone, or volunteering once a week for a month. Then, as each milestone is reached, celebrate it. The celebration need not be extravagant – it could be as simple as verbal praise (a heartfelt “I’m so proud of you for doing that!”), letting them choose a family activity to enjoy, or marking the occasion with a favourite treat. The point is to pause and recognise their effort and growth. Remember that for many young people with disability, things others take for granted are significant accomplishments. For example, making a phone call to enquire about a job opening might be a huge leap out of their comfort zone – if they manage it, applaud that bravery!

Families often find that “once they learn a skill, no one can take it away” – and thus each new skill is a permanent gain that can be built upon. As one parent put it: “Celebrate small wins. They grow into big victories.”. By marking these moments, you also create positive reinforcement. Your child will associate working towards their goals with good feelings of pride and celebration, rather than just stress.

Share the joy and give praise. Don’t underestimate the power of positive reinforcement and praise. Young adults, like all of us, thrive on encouragement. When your child completes a task or overcomes a hurdle, acknowledge it enthusiastically: “I noticed you worked really hard on that cover letter – great job sticking with it!” or “You seemed so confident talking to that employer at the info session, that’s a big step forward.” Giving “loads of praise when they complete [tasks] boosts their confidence”. You might even involve your extended family or friends in the celebration – for instance, share the news of a completed TAFE certificate or a successful first solo train ride with relatives who can also congratulate your young person. This wider recognition can amplify their sense of accomplishment. Just be mindful to keep the praise sincere and specific to their achievement (young people can tell if you’re being patronising). The goal is to show them that you see their progress and you’re genuinely proud.

Keep a progress journal or portfolio. A practical tip is to help your child keep track of their achievements visually. You could create a “success journal” or a scrapbook/portfolio where they note down or put photos of things they’ve accomplished. For example, jot down dates of every interview attended, certificates earned, or new skills gained. Over time, this becomes a powerful reminder of how far they’ve come. On tough days when motivation is low, looking back at that record can boost morale. It also helps in tangible ways: the information can be used to update resumes or to tell stories in future job interviews about what they have achieved.

By celebrating small wins, you reinforce a growth mindset – the idea that improvement happens step by step, and effort leads to progress. Your young person learns to take pride in their development, not just the end result. And importantly, you as a parent get to enjoy the journey more, rather than anxiously waiting for a “finish line.” Every victory, no matter how small, is a building block towards your child’s larger goal of employment and independence. So go ahead and cheer loudly for those little milestones – they truly are big wins in disguise.

Partnering with Providers: Working with SLES and Next Gen Youth Employment

As your family navigates the transition from school to work, you don’t have to do it alone. Working in partnership with SLES providers – like Next Gen Youth Employment – can significantly enhance the support your young person receives. The key is to establish a collaborative relationship where parents, the provider, and the young person each have a role, and where the young person and their Youth Coach drive the day-to-day decisions while parents provide background support and advocacy. Here’s how to strike that balance.

Choose a provider that values family partnership. When exploring SLES providers or other employment support services, look for those that explicitly encourage family involvement. Next Gen Youth Employment, for example, emphasises collaboration and sees itself as part of a “strong support network” alongside families and the community. In practice, this means the provider will keep lines of communication open with you and respect your insights about your child’s needs. During initial meetings, don’t hesitate to share relevant information: your child’s triggers, health considerations, what strategies have worked well in school, and so on. You know your child best, and this info can help the Youth Coach personalise their approach. A good provider will welcome this input. At the same time, be open to learning from the professionals – they bring specialized expertise in youth employment and may introduce ideas or opportunities you hadn’t considered. As one resource notes, “it’s good to be open to learning and developing yourself… work together to adapt and understand each other”. The better the trust and understanding between you (the family) and the provider’s team, the quicker progress can be toward independence.

Let the Youth Coach lead daily activities. Once you’ve set goals and shared information, it’s important to step back and allow the Youth Coach and your young person to take charge of the day-to-day work. This can be hard at first – you might be tempted to micromanage or constantly check in on what’s happening. But remember, part of promoting independence is for your child to develop a direct working relationship with their coach and to feel ownership of their employment journey. “A big part of promoting independence is to get others more involved in supporting your loved one,” notes a guide for carers – and it acknowledges that it can be difficult for devoted parents to “take an intentional step back and involve other… paid support staff.”. Remind yourself that you have chosen this provider because they are experienced and skilled; trust them to do their job. Allow your child to attend sessions or activities without you whenever possible. If the Youth Coach takes your child to visit a workplace or attend a training, use that time to give both of you space – maybe that’s when you catch up on your own tasks or self-care. By physically not being present at every step, you send the message that “I trust you to handle this.” This can actually boost your child’s confidence. Of course, ensure there’s a plan for feedback: perhaps weekly updates from the coach or a communication notebook so you’re not in the dark. But resist the urge to interfere in minor matters or to double-guess the coach’s methods.

Advocate in the big moments, but empower your child’s voice. There will still be times when your parental advocacy is needed – for instance, at NDIS planning meetings or if any issues arise that your child cannot resolve alone. In those “big picture” scenarios, you should absolutely stand up for your child’s needs, ensure funding and services are in place, and speak out if something isn’t working. Next Gen Youth Employment and similar providers can be allies here; they often attend NDIS meetings with families or provide supporting letters about a participant’s progress and needs. Work with them – coordinate beforehand on key points to raise. During such meetings, encourage your young person to speak for themselves first whenever possible. If they struggle to articulate something, you can gently assist by asking them prompting questions or backing up what they’re trying to convey. This way, they remain at the center of the discussion, rather than being talked about over their head. It’s a delicate dance: you are there to support their voice, not replace it. As noted earlier, giving your child a voice in matters builds their confidence. Providers like Next Gen will respect that approach – after all, their mission is to empower youth.

Maintain open communication and share progress. Establish a communication routine with the provider that works for everyone. Maybe it’s a fortnightly phone call or email update from the Youth Coach, or a brief chat when dropping off or picking up your child. Use these updates to stay informed and to provide any input if needed (for example, “He’s been anxious this week, here’s what might help…” or “She mentioned really enjoying that work trial!”). Sharing successes both big and small with the provider is great too – it helps them know what motivates your child. At the same time, encourage the provider to communicate directly with your child as much as possible (cc’ing you in emails rather than addressing only you, for example), to reinforce that this is their journey.

Celebrate the partnership. When things go well, acknowledge the teamwork involved. If your child achieves a milestone thanks to joint efforts (the Youth Coach’s guidance, your support at home, and your child’s hard work), take a moment to thank each other. A quick note of appreciation to the SLES team or a shout-out to your child for engaging with their coach positively can strengthen the partnership. It also models collaborative relationships for your young person – they see their parents and support people working together respectfully, which is a great lesson in self-advocacy and teamwork for them.

By working in partnership with a provider like Next Gen Youth Employment, you create a circle of support around your young person. Next Gen Youth Employment’s Youth Coaches are described as “more than just guides – they’re mentors, motivators, and biggest champions” for the participants. Alongside you, they form a team whose common goal is the success and well-being of your child. For example, consider Jayden’s story: Jayden was unsure about his path after finishing school, but “with guidance and support from Next Gen Youth Employment’s SLES program, he explored various roles, attended job trials, and developed his life and communication skills. Today, Jayden is thriving as a warehouse assistant… confident in his abilities and proud of his achievements.”. Stories like this highlight what’s possible when families and providers collaborate – the young person gains skills and confidence, and ultimately finds their place in the working world.

In summary, supporting without taking over in the context of provider partnerships means: be informed and involved, but allow the professionals to do their work and allow your child to shine on their own terms. Share your knowledge about your child, but then step back and watch them grow with the guidance of their Youth Coach. It’s a team effort, and you’re a vital part of that team – just no longer the only player.

Supporting Independence – You’re Not Alone

Helping a school leaver with disability transition from the security of school into the wide world of work is a journey of many steps. Along the way, you will wear many hats – protector, cheerleader, advocate, teacher, and ultimately, proud observer as your young person comes into their own. It’s not always easy to know how to support without taking over, but by focusing on open communication, building practical skills, managing anxieties, and celebrating progress, you create an environment where your child can gradually take the driver’s seat of their own life. And remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Programs like SLES exist to guide your family, and providers such as Next Gen Youth Employment are dedicated allies ready to help at every turn. At Next Gen Youth Employment, we’re here to help young people with disabilities unlock their potential and achieve their goals – and that includes supporting parents and carers through the transition process as well.

If you’re looking for personalised assistance or just reassurance from professionals who understand, reach out to Next Gen Youth Employment. Our team of experienced Youth Coaches can work with your family to develop a tailored plan that fits your child’s needs and aspirations. We’ll stand by you and your young person from day one of SLES right through to the celebration of that first job and beyond. Contact us for more information and assistance – whether you have questions about SLES funding, want to explore our services, or need guidance on supporting your child’s journey, we are here to help. Together, we can ensure your school leaver is supported, confident and empowered to step into the future – with you cheering them on, every step of the way.

Ready to take the next step? Contact Next Gen Youth Employment today to find out how we can help your family navigate the transition from school to employment. Let’s work in partnership to make your young person’s goals a reality. After all, when families and support services work hand-in-hand, every young person with a disability can thrive in their path to independence and a fulfilling career.