From developing his small business to pursuing an interest in politics and forging ahead with university studies, Justus Tuck has big plans for 2026.

Justus, 19, is receiving Post Care Support through AnglicareSA, after finishing up in the Supported Independent Living Services (SILS) placement that helped him develop the skills he needed to move into adulthood.

“They’ve been very helpful – they’re very supportive and they’re always up for a chat even if you just want someone to talk to, they’ll be there for you,” he says of the help he receives through the Anglicare program in Adelaide’s inner south.

Sunday “cook-ups” and other events for young people are a natural follow-on from the support provided through SILS, which assists with teaching key life skills such as cooking and budgeting and supports young people with their education and employment needs.

The Department for Child Protection is sharing Justus's story as part of World Care Day (20 February), the globe's biggest celebration of children and young people with a care experience.

Supported Independent Living provides young people aged 16-17 with accommodation and individualised support, arming them with the skills they need to live independently after they leave care.

Justus was 17 when he moved out of a family-based placement and into Supported Independent Living, finding the change brought about a greater ability to advocate for his own needs.

Having always enjoyed money-related mathematics, Justus is now studying a Diploma of Business bundled with an accounting degree at Adelaide University, hoping this will one day lead to work at an accounting firm.

But he also has other clear passions – among them is an enterprise he hopes to grow this year, servicing people’s computers and setting up AI systems for small businesses.

“I’m hoping to get that off the ground and get some more clients – that’s my side project,” Justus says.

In addition, he’s eyeing a potential future career in federal politics even though he acknowledges it’s a “cut-throat industry”. He plans to apply for a place on the state’s Teen Parliament this year.

“I’m very excited for applications to open. I feel like there’s a lot of issues that we have in society that need fixing – and not just band-aids,” he says.

This year's World Care Day theme is 'breaking barriers'. The theme recognises the barriers young people with a care experience face in areas including education, health, housing and leaving care - but also the resilience, creativity and determination they show in overcoming these hurdles.

Justus has also shared his story through this video, which includes a powerful message to children in care.