The Youth Support Centre was established at the end of 2019 as part of a strategic initiative to reform existing social work practices regarding young people transitioning out of family care.

Young people in out-of-family care constitute a distinct target group for social work for various reasons, which are determined by multiple factors. These factors include the specific age stage, challenges associated with separation from their biological family, and the transition from childhood to adulthood. Substance abuse, homelessness, domestic violence, emotional disturbance, poverty, and incarceration are common issues faced by children who have been removed from their biological families. These children also experience the consequences of these problems, including attachment, trust, identity, and various other challenges. Many of these children require individual professional assistance to overcome the traumatic effects of neglect and abuse they have experienced. 

As a target group, they commonly experience worse outcomes, including a lower likelihood of being in education or employment. Additionally, they face higher risks of homelessness and suicide.  Likewise, international studies indicate a high risk of social exclusion (material disadvantage and marginalisation) among out-of-home care leavers.  All these circumstances contribute to a unique combination of challenges for social workers and social service administrators.