Young People
Young People and Homelessness
The latest ABS data counted 28, 000 young Australians (12-24yr old) as homeless on Census night in 2016. In most instances, they do not have a home because they are escaping conflict and violence. Previous research found that 70% of young people who became homeless left home to escape family violence, child abuse or family breakdown (Rosenthal, 2006).
National Youth Coalition for Housing (NYCH) states that young people at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness need access to supportive and well-resourced services which work with them in establishing foundations on which they can build a stable future. These services can be tasked with the provision of ensuring health and wellbeing, safety and stability, re-engagement and participation with education and employment services.
Sector News
Homelessness Australia hosts Homelessness Week annually to build community support and government commitment to end homelessness.
During the week homelessness services and community groups raise awareness of the impact of homelessness, and the solutions needed to end homelessness, and advocate for change via national and local community events, media and social media activities.
In 2024, Homelessness Week 2024 will be held from Monday August 5 to Sunday August 11.
The theme for Homelessness Week 2024 is “Homelessness Action Now”.
Training
Safe from the Start is a project initiated by The Salvation Army in partnership with University of Tasmania, Swinburne University and Women’s Domestic Violence Services. A research project by Dr. Angela Spinney (Kara FVS Board member) resulted in a training program and therapeutic resource kit. Over 1000 family violence, child protection workers, counsellors, foster carers and family and children services workers have taken part in the training.
Client Supports and Activities
Uniting deliver youth support programs for young people aged 15‐25 in the Eastern Metro Region who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness and family breakdown. To access support, young people can contact us or drop into our Ringwood entry point, with youth workers available to triage calls and
presentations.
Research and Reports
In late 2021, The Salvation Army did a nationwide Social Justice Stocktake to get to the heart of what people were seeing in their local communities. From there, they built a map of social justice priorities across Australia.
Practitioner Resources
CEEP funding supports young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to develop and sustain pathways into Education Employment and Training (EET). Brokerage funds assist young people to purchase uniforms, books and school materials, tools, education fees, work clothes, computers, public transport and other EET related expenses.
Uniting are the administrators for the Eastern Metro.