FINDIN G

MY PLACE
The Salvation Army’s
response to youth homelessness
Finding My Place

ISBN 978-0-9804486-1-0

Copyright 2008 The Territorial Commander,

The Salvation Army, Australia Eastern
Territory

All rights reserved. No part of this

publication may be reproduced in any
form without prior consent of the copyright
owners

Published by The Salvation Army April

2008

Writer/compiler Wilma Gallet

Editor Captain Peter McGuigan
Graphic Design Andrew Tan and Ceslav
Cehovskih

Unless otherwise indicated, images

courtesy Shark Island Productions

Produced by The Salvation Army, Australia

Eastern Territory, Communications and
Public Relations Department
Appreciation
National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-
Publication entry The writer expresses a deep appreciation
Gallet, Wilma, 1953 - to Captain Paul Moulds and Major David
Eldridge for their support, encouragement
Issued by authority of: and wisdom, and for their unfaltering
Commissioner Les Strong commitment to improving options for
Territorial Commander homeless young people.
The Salvation Army
Australia Eastern Territory Thank you also to Salvation Army youth
support services throughout Australia who
Commissioner James Knaggs contributed their ideas and comments.
Territorial Commander
The Salvation Army A particular debt of gratitude goes to the
Australia Southern Territory young people whose stories are told in this
document. We have every confidence in you
and know you will ‘find your place’.
 FINDING
MY PLACE 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1 Executive summary 4

Chapter 2 Preamble 7

Chapter 3 Introduction 9

Chapter 4 Young people at risk 11

Chapter 5 The crisis begins 17

Chapter 6 Where do I go now? 21

Chapter 7 This is too hard 25

Chapter 8 This is getting scary 31

Chapter 9 Help me to get out of trouble 35

Chapter 10 I need a safe place to live 41

Chapter 11 Help me to get education 47

Chapter 12 I want a job 53

Chapter 13 I want more for my child 59

Chapter 14 Please understand us! 65

Chapter 15 The people who’ve helped me 69

Chapter 16 Finding my place 75

Appendix 1 Recommendations 78

Appendix 2 The Salvation Army youth support services 82

 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Salvation Army youth support services Chapter 3 ‘Introduction’ – The introduction community extend hospitality to a young young people in accessing appropriate health
provide assistance to more than 12000 highlights the Army’s concern that there are person they know.’ This chapter explores the services and the supports needed to help
young people each year ranging in age from approximately 22000 young people between issue of ‘couch-surfing’ and looks at how The young people deal with drug and alcohol use
12 to 24 years and accommodates more the ages of 12 and 18 who are homeless. Salvation Army can support young people and mental health issues.
than 1000 young people each night in its This is a significant social problem and it and host families in this situation.
housing programs. Finding My Place is The is a disgrace that this many young people Chapter 8 ‘This is getting scary’ – This
Salvation Army’s response to the National are homeless in contemporary, prosperous Chapter 6 ‘Where do I go now?’ – This chapter looks at issues confronting young
Youth Commission’s Inquiry into Youth Australia. We, as a community, must be more chapter examines the experience of young people who have become entrenched in
Homelessness. It provides an insight into the intentional in addressing this issue. people when they find themselves living on street life, particularly the negative subculture
issues impacting on homeless and ‘at-risk’ the street. They are often hungry, tired and and the young person’s exposure to violence,
young people. Chapter 4 ‘Young people at risk’ – This lonely. Their need to feel accepted and safe abuse and unscrupulous adults who
chapter examines the issues of poverty and is often met through the forming of social exploit their vulnerability. For young people
Chapter 2 ‘Preamble’ – The preamble family crisis as significant factors contributing groups with other street young people, whom entrenched in street life it is important that
provides a broad overview of the work of to young people becoming homeless. It also they often consider to be their family. street outreach services consistently move
The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army is explores the issue of family breakdown and into their environment, persisting in offering
part of the universal Christian Church and the importance of mediation and counselling Chapter 7 ‘This is too hard’ – This chapter information, referrals and, most importantly,
has a strong sense of social justice and in family reunification. examines the health concerns of homeless hope. They may be the only voice speaking
the need to speak out for those who don’t young people, specifically the fact that they positive things into the young person’s life.
have a voice. As a Christian movement, Chapter 5 ‘The crisis begins’ – ‘Nearly every often experience poor physical and mental
The Salvation Army believes strongly in the young person who becomes homeless, health, usually as a result of poor nutrition, Chapter 9 ‘Help me to get out of trouble’
inherent worth of every human person and begins by staying with friends in the initial poor hygiene, drug and alcohol misuse, – Because of their life circumstances,
is motivated to help homeless young people stages. This is commonly called “couch- and exposure to extreme trauma. It also there is a risk that homeless young people
discover their self-worth. surfing” and it is where families in the discusses some of the challenges confronting can be caught up in a cycle of offending
 FINDING
MY PLACE 5

behaviour and come to the attention of law Chapter 11 ‘Help me to get education’ Chapter 14 ‘Please understand us!’ – This inaccessibility of health and dental care for
enforcement agencies and the courts. This – This chapter looks at the importance of chapter examines community attitudes to young people.
chapter focuses on juvenile justice issues and education, particularly for those young people homeless young people and how we might
discusses the need for preventative programs who are ‘at-risk’ of early school leaving and address some of the negative stereotypes Finding My Place includes 74
and court diversion programs that can for those who have become disconnected that too often prevail. recommendations (Appendix 1) on how we
intervene and divert young people to a more from mainstream education. It describes the can address youth homelessness and provide
positive path. It is also critically important need to develop alternative education models Chapter 15 ‘The people who’ve helped me’ safe accommodation and support to the
that post-release programs are available to for these young people. – This chapter provides some insights into the 22000 homeless teenagers in Australia, so
work extensively with young people leaving people who work with homeless and ‘at-risk’ that they can ‘find their place’.
detention, either juvenile detention centres or Chapter 12 ‘I want a job’ – This chapter young people. It addresses the importance of
adult correction centres, at the completion of examines the barriers homeless young people developing trusting relationships and creating
their sentence. face in accessing the labour market and supportive environments.
explores some options in how to help them
Chapter 10 ‘I need a safe place to live’ – develop the vocational and interpersonal skills Chapter 16 ‘Finding my place’ – This
This chapter discusses the critical issue of they need to obtain employment. concluding chapter sums up the key issues
housing affordability and the lack of safe, impacting upon homeless young people
affordable housing options for young people. Chapter 13 ‘I want more for my child’ - and calls on the Australian government,
It also looks at the complexity of needs and The Salvation Army also works with young community and business to address the
issues confronting homeless young people. homeless parents and this chapter explores issues contributing to youth homelessness.
This includes their need for ongoing, intensive the issues that impact upon their health These include poverty; lack of education;
postvention support, helping them make the and wellbeing. lack of opportunity; inability to access jobs;
transition from crisis to independent living. lack of affordable, appropriate housing; and
 FINDING
MY PLACE 7

PREAMBLE

The Salvation Army has provided social advocate for those who are socially and outreach and drop-in centres. Its programs
‘Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in
and community services to the Australian economically excluded because of poverty include supported accommodation, foster
the truth. It always protects, always trusts,
community for more than 120 years. In and homelessness. care and out of home care, supported
always hopes, always perseveres.’
particular, The Salvation Army has supported education and employment programs, drug
people who are homeless through a range The Salvation Army, as part of the universal and alcohol rehabilitation services, specialist
1 Corinthians 13: 6-7
of practical services including crisis and Christian Church, has a deep commitment counselling services, supports for young
transitional accommodation, education, to social justice and a firm conviction in the parents, recreation and social activities,
training and employment options, health inherent worth of every human person. For health programs and social enterprises.
services, drug and alcohol counselling, many of the young people we work with, their The Salvation Army houses more than
rehabilitation programs, specialised sense of self worth is obscured by poverty, 1000 young people each night in its crisis
counselling as well as providing a sense of homelessness, abuse and neglect. We aim accommodation and transitional housing
family and community. to bring them hope; we want them to know programs. This experience has given us
that we believe in them and we want them to unique insights into the special needs of
William Booth, the Founder of The Salvation believe in themselves and become the people homeless young people.
Army, was moved to action when he saw the they each have the potential to be.
plight of the homeless of his generation. He William Booth talked about a ‘spirit of
saw people sleeping under bridges and on This document deals specifically with the hopefulness and aspiration’. This is what the
park benches and declared, ‘We must do issues impacting on young people who are early Salvation Army sought to cultivate in
something’. So began The Salvation Army’s homeless or at-risk of homelessness. Across the minds of people who were entrenched in
work in supporting the homeless. It was Australia, The Salvation Army operates more poverty, homelessness and unemployment.
1887. Poverty and homelessness were the than 180 programs supporting approximately This is still primarily what we endeavour to do
two major social concerns. Sadly, 120 years 12000 young people each year who are for the young people who come to us in their
later, despite almost 17 years of economic homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless. hopelessness and despair – to assure them
prosperity in Australia, The Salvation Army The Army makes over 35000 contacts that HOPE BEGINS HERE.
still sees the desperate need to support and every year with young people through street
 FINDING
MY PLACE 9

INTRODUCTION

This paper responds to the significant more are living in unstable and dangerous These young people have lost their voice,
‘The world is a dangerous place. Not
issues raised in the National Youth environments. These young people are living they need us to speak up for them, they
because of the people who are evil; but
Commission’s (NYC) Inquiry into Youth on the edge of a precipice; their lives are in need us to protect them, to nurture them.
because of the people who don’t do
Homelessness. The Salvation Army our hands; the fact that this many children in They are Australia’s children, they are our
anything about it.’
commends the foresight and commitment Australia are homeless, shames us all. future and they need and deserve our
Albert Einstein
of the NYC in bringing these serious issues support and understanding.
to the attention of the broader community. The Salvation Army works with over 12000
We would like to acknowledge the young people each year ranging in age This response to the issues of homelessness
commissioners for their thoroughness and from 12 to 24 years, and we accommodate is written for them and from their perspective.
insight in producing such a comprehensive more than 1000 each night in our housing It details their experience, tells their stories,
report and we endorse all of the programs. The young people we work with and gives insight into their aspirations and
recommendations contained in the report. have experienced trauma and abuse; their dreams. We need to listen to them and
lives have become chaotic and desperate. ‘do something’; do something practical;
It is time Australia, as a whole community, Many of them have never known a safe and do something to provide access to secure,
acted with more determination in addressing predictable home environment. These young affordable housing; do something to create
the problem of youth homelessness. It is people describe family violence and moving opportunities so they can connect to
19 years since the release of the Human between homes that are equally volatile as education and employment; do something to
Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission ‘just life’ and the existence of nurturing help them realise their aspirations for a safe
Inquiry into Youth Homelessness (Burdekin, adults as a ‘fairytale dream’ they once and happy life. The Australian community,
1989), yet today almost 22000 young people held as children. governments, industry and service providers
between the ages of 12 and 18 years are working together can give them hope for a
recorded as being homeless and many brighter future.
 FINDING
MY PLACE 11

YOUNG PEOPLE AT RISK

The Salvation Army operates a number Causes of Poverty ‘payday’ to the next, managing scarce
‘Poverty is both a cause and a
of youth services in areas of extreme Poverty arises from a number of causes, financial resources. This, in turn, creates crisis
consequence of homelessness. Family
socioeconomic disadvantage, where only one of which is unemployment. It is within families.
poverty places pressures on relationships
families experience intergenerational poverty, a complex combination of many factors
and is often a background factor in
unemployment and social exclusion. Young which might include ill health or disability, It is only through sustained interventions that
family crises. Independent young
people grow up without appropriate role relationship breakdown, grief and loss, drug address the issues impacting on the whole
people without secure income often live
models and with low expectations for misuse, gambling addictions, alcohol abuse, person, that we will be able to effectively
in poverty or close to the poverty line
themselves. These areas are breeding mental health issues and lack of education break the cycle of poverty.
and those reliant on the private rental
grounds for disconnected and homeless and resources.
market for accommodation are at risk of
young people. Impact of Poverty on Young People
homelessness due to housing stress.’
In The Salvation Army’s experience, many Financial hardship is a critical issue for
However, economic poverty is not the young people and families living in socially homeless young people. Their limited income
NYC Report
only type of poverty experienced by young and economically deprived communities, makes it very difficult for them to afford
homeless people. They may have a deep experience a cycle of poverty, lived the basic necessities of life, such as food,
‘Social exclusion occurs where people
sense of the emotional poverty relating to out through unemployment, idleness, clothing, health care, transport and housing.
or communities suffer from a range of
the loss of relationship and connection to hopelessness, numeracy and literacy deficits In the current economic climate where
problems such as unemployment, low
their family. The poverty of feeling uncared and often manifested in domestic violence, housing is scarce, high rent makes finding
incomes, poor housing, crime, poor health
for or not valued has a profound effect on drug and alcohol issues, crime, child abuse secure accommodation almost impossible,
and disability and family breakdown. In
people and the poverty caused by being and higher incidence of suicide and self harm. particularly in capital cities. Financial distress
combination, these problems can result
alone, insecure and unsafe can is further exacerbated when young people
in cycles of poverty, spanning generations
be overwhelming. Poverty creates a severe level of uncertainty have their Centrelink payments suspended
and geographical regions.’
and anxiety for families who live from one because they have missed an appointment >

Senator Ursula Stephens,

Parliamentary Secretary for
Social Inclusion
 or failed to comply with mutual obligation dropping out of school, and connecting with
I came home from school today I came home today
requirements. a negative peer group.
No-one’s here, No-one’s home, no-one to greet me
No-one to greet me home I’m going crazy, I’m out of here
The lack of financial resources seriously Some young people find themselves
I wanted to show you my picture See you at the crossroads
impacts on their general health and well homeless after the death of a parent or when
Mum I’m only six All I wanted was a mum and dad
being. Young people need to be able to their parents separate. Sometimes young
and a home
access appropriate health care services, people feel they need to leave home when
I came home from B-Ball practice today But as I see, that will never be.
psychological services, educational new stepfamilies form. This may be a result
No-one’s here
opportunities and support, and psychosocial of conflict, or it may be because of tension
No-one to greet me home Kristal
programs that address the issues they face. created through lack of personal space, or
I needed help, I sprained my ankle
it may be because limited finances become
Mum I’m only eleven
Family Stress and Relationship stretched. The separation of parents or the
Breakdown formation of new families can be a particularly
I came home from high school today
Family dysfunction and failed relationships challenging time for young people.
No-one’s home,
are significant contributors to youth
No-one to greet me
homelessness. In many cases this includes In some instances of family breakdown,
I needed help with my exam
abuse, whether by neglect, psychological the parents themselves are dealing with
Mum I’m only fourteen
abuse, or physical and sexual abuse. The significant mental health issues, and alcohol
experience of abuse has a damaging impact or drug abuse. They are unable to care
I came home from drug dealing today
on an individual young person’s sense of for themselves, let alone care for their
No-one’s home,
self-esteem and identity, and becomes a children or provide a safe and nurturing
No-one to greet me
significant factor in causing a range of home environment.
I know I’m doing wrong
social disconnections.
But no-one’s there to stop me
Capacity Building Programs for Parents
I need to eat, look after the house
Not only does abuse often result in the young While we acknowledge that young people
And pay your bills
person prematurely leaving the family and do experience abuse and neglect within their
Mum, I’m only seventeen
becoming homeless, it also often leads to families, there are many families who try to
them becoming involved in substance abuse, provide a positive environment but simply
 FINDING
MY PLACE 13

do not have the capacity or skills. Often

Claire the victim of sexual abuse at the hands of which helped with her self-harming and self-
their ability to parent is diminished because
this new partner. When Claire attempted esteem issues.
of the enormous challenges they face
By the time Claire had arrived at the to confide in her mother about what was
personally, dealing with health or addiction
doors of Oasis House, a Salvation Army happening, her mother would not believe her Claire stayed at Oasis House for nearly two
issues. Furthermore, some parents may
youth refuge, at the age of 16, she had and conflict between the two began. years. In this time she completed Year 12 at
not have experienced a safe and secure
already experienced a lifetime of rejection school and received a Dux Award, enrolled at
family life themselves as they were growing
and hardship. Claire ran away from home at the age of 12 TAFE (for which she received a scholarship),
up, and have no positive role models or
and once again Community Services placed obtained her driver’s license and generally
supportive family currently in their lives. They
Claire’s parents, both suffering from alcohol her into foster care. Whilst in foster care seemed to enjoy her experience at Oasis.
therefore find it difficult to provide for their
and drug addictions, separated before she attended school (but often truanted), This was shown through her enthusiasm to
children, particularly during the turbulent and
Claire was born. Claire’s mother suffered started to self-harm and generally was quite be part of all aspects of the program, from
challenging years of adolescence.
from postnatal depression and from the rebellious. Her foster parents asked her to house meetings to Sunday outings.
very beginning rejected her daughter. Claire leave because they were finding it difficult to
It is important that as a community we do
was under her mother’s care until the age handle her behaviour. It was at this point that Just before her 18th birthday Claire obtained
not label or blame these parents, but rather
of four. During this time her mother was a Claire was referred to Oasis House and was her own unit and the transition from Oasis
that we commit to providing services and
regular user of drugs and neglectful towards accepted into the program. to her unit went smoothly. It has been nearly
programs that help them develop their skills
her. The Community Services Department three years since Claire left Oasis but she still
and capacity to care for their children and
intervened and placed Claire in foster care. While at Oasis, with the guidance and maintains contact with the staff and comes
create a safe, nurturing home environment.
encouragement of staff, Claire became back to visit often. On one occasion she
This might involve providing support in the
While she was in foster care, Claire’s mother more stable at school, which meant that she came back to help conduct a program night
area of parenting, home management,
took steps to rehabilitate herself from the was able to obtain her own income from on ‘Moving Out’. She was able to share her
budgeting and building relationships.
drugs and alcohol. Claire was able to see Centrelink. She began to feel comfortable own experiences with the present residents
Initiatives such as these provide critical
her on supervised visits. When Claire was 10 and safe in the environment she was living. living at Oasis House.
preventative interventions that support the
years of age she was placed back into her She was able to develop the necessary skills
family unit and give them the skills to deal
mother’s care. Unfortunately, the heartache to live independently and she also learnt how
with any crisis that has the potential to cause
and trauma were not over. Her mother was to set achievable goals for the future and
their young people to leave home. >
in a new relationship and Claire became implemented these. She began counselling,
The Experience of Homelessness to return home or stay connected with the information to parents who need help in estimate that they would need four times the
The experience of homelessness profoundly family. Family mediation is best targeted at dealing with the challenging or aggressive current number of staff to be able to go close
erodes a young person’s experience of ‘being assisting families to identify and address behaviour of their adolescent children. to servicing the demand in this particular area
safe’ at every level of existence. It is alarming issues very early, before they become of socioeconomic disadvantage.
that this should happen during adolescence, entrenched. Often mediation can be the Some early intervention services operated by
at a crucial stage of a person’s development. catalyst to families seeking further assistance The Salvation Army have received funding Young People Leaving Care
such as counselling and family therapy to through the Commonwealth Government’s Young people leaving state care are over-
Homelessness is recognised to be one of address significant issues. Families often view Reconnect Program. These services provide represented in youth homeless populations.
the most significant barriers experienced mediation as less formal than counselling and quick responses, flexible service delivery, and In most families we would not assume that
by young people to full social participation. therefore are more willing to engage in this a range of interventions to prevent escalation young people at 18 years of age can live
Consequently, homeless young people process. Mediation can also equip families of family conflict and stress, and reconnect fully independent lives. Young adults require
are at-risk of permanent exclusion and with specific skills to help them deal with new young people who have left home with their support to attend tertiary education, join the
marginalisation from society. or emerging issues. The skills learnt through families as quickly possible. workforce, learn to drive a car, etc.
the mediation process are transferable into
The negative impact of a generation of other areas of participants’ lives, giving long- In Victoria, one of The Salvation Army’s youth But for young people who have been in care
disconnected young people will reverberate term benefits to families and young people. services has received funding through the there is an expectation that at 18 years they
across all areas of society unless we Victorian Government’s Family Reconciliation can move to independence. Unfortunately,
take positive action and introduce early Research shows that the sooner family Mediation Program. This program is delivered in many cases they do not have adequate
intervention strategies to support these mediation is commenced the more chance it in partnership with another local agency support systems or personal networks.
young people and their families before has of being successful. The longer a young and employs a family liaison worker who Young people leaving care are suddenly
breakdowns occur. person has been disengaged from their family provides outreach support and counselling confronted with issues they have never
the harder it is to facilitate reconciliation. to young people and their families within the encountered before. These are often simple
Family Mediation and Counselling local community. matters such as how to pay rent or utility
For many young people there is a possibility Most Salvation Army youth and family centres bills, using BPay, acquiring a bank account,
that family mediation may resolve or have some capacity to work with young A Sydney-based Salvation Army youth service tax file number, proof-of-age card, personal
ameliorate some of the areas of conflict, people and their families to prevent them which has provided the Reconnect Program references, etc.
ensuring that the young person remains becoming homeless. This includes providing for the past seven years, has observed that
living at home or, in the case of young people access to mediation and counselling, the demand for the service has always greatly Most young people can rely on their families
who have moved out, encouraging them facilitating workshops and providing outstripped the service’s capacity. They or parents to help them weave their way
 FINDING
MY PLACE 15

through the maze of bureaucracy that inherent worth, skills and abilities, and helping SAAP service. This will require a significant
‘We think sometimes that poverty is only
confronts them, when they transition from them individually to discover and nurture expansion of the Reconnect Program to
provide sufficient funds to employ workers being hungry, naked and homeless. The
adolescence to adulthood. these abilities.
and to access other specialist therapeutic poverty of being unwanted, unloved and
This support is not available for young people Keeping my place at home means: interventions. uncared for is the greatest poverty.’
leaving care and this puts them at risk. If they •L
 iving in a safe, nurturing environment free
experience financial or other difficulties in of violence and alcohol and drug misuse. •E
 xpand programs that support families Mother Teresa of Calcutta
maintaining their tenancy in private rental, it to develop parenting skills, and deal with
may result in them becoming homeless. •L
 iving in a household where there is conflict and challenging behaviours in a
sufficient income to pay the bills. constructive manner.
Concluding Statement
The lack of a safe place to sleep is a highly •H
 aving mutual respect and understanding • Increase funding for student-at-risk
urgent issue faced by homeless young people between all family members. programs to be run in partnership with
but it is rarely the sole issue they face. Youth high schools, focusing on identifying those
homelessness is usually the consequence • Reducing family conflict. young people who are at-risk and facilitating
of the disintegration of natural family support early intervention.
networks. Homelessness can only therefore •D
 eveloping skills to deal with anger
be addressed by a holistic response. Any and frustration. •D
 evelop respite accommodation options
solution must be able to create an alternative as a ‘time out’ where family breakdown is
matrix of supports. Poverty and disadvantage • Feeling valued and loved. imminent or has occurred – a way of
can be overcome. However, to address the de-escalating problematic issues and
issues of poverty we need to look at holistic What needs to happen: enabling family reconciliation.
and strength-based approaches that respond •S
 upport families to avoid poverty traps. This
to each individual’s unique situation. should include access to stable, secure •P
 rovide needs-based support for all young
income or financial and material support people leaving care, making it available up
The challenge to those working with young being available to help at times of crisis. to the age of 24 years.
people growing up in poverty, is to help
them extend their vision and opportunities • Services
 such as Reconnect or other early
beyond the immediate surrounds of their intervention initiatives need to be available in
environment – recognising that they have every community and ideally linked to every
 FINDING
MY PLACE 17

THE CRISIS BEGINS

The National Youth Commission’s report Salvation Army youth services have received There is a surprising amount of generosity
‘Nearly every young person who becomes
discusses the issue of ‘couch-surfing’, or calls directly from concerned parents who within the community and many people are
homeless, begins by staying with friends in
young people who are living in informal open their homes to their children’s friends willing to assist young people in the early
the initial stages. This is commonly called
shared accommodation, generally with who have no other place to go. These stages of homelessness. This generosity
“couch-surfing” and it is where families
friends, friends’ parents, extended family well-meaning people then find themselves often involves arranging accommodation,
in the community extend hospitality to a
members or with acquaintances. in a situation where they are caring for a including allowing young people to stay or
young person they know. Unfortunately,
young person who is well on the way to couch-surf in established households.
this arrangement is usually temporary
Most young people who access homelessness and realise they do not have
because the visitor generally does not
Salvation Army youth housing and the skills or knowledge to deal with it. However, couch-surfing arrangements
feel able to ask for help, begins to feel
support services have couch-surfed in the are not normally secure and the young
uncomfortable and then moves on.
preceding 12 months. One service states At the present time, Salvation Army services person being accommodated is still very
However, “couch-surfing” represents an
that up to 90% of the young people they endeavour to support families who host uncertain regarding his or her future. There
unrealised opportunity to mobilise the
work with stayed with friends before young people primarily through offering is a tendency for them to ‘wear out their
social capital in our community to help
becoming homeless. services directly to the homeless young welcome’ very quickly and couch-surfing in
at-risk and homeless young people before
person. These include one-on-one case some cases can also put young people at
they become transient. If we could provide
Many young people have a number of management support, helping them navigate serious risk of exploitation. One pattern that
advice and support to the families where
couch-surfing stays after they first leave the Centrelink system, re-engage Salvation Army youth services have observed
young people are staying temporarily
home. Young people are often referred with education or the vocational training is that young people tend to engage in what
and stabilise the arrangements there for
to Salvation Army services because their system, and to find suitable alternative could be described as a ‘token economy’,
a while, then there may be time to either
school has intervened or their friend’s accommodation. using food, money, friendships, drugs,
undertake family reconciliation or if the
parents simply cannot offer them permanent alcohol, personal items, and sex to enable
young person cannot return home, to
accommodation. Teachers are often the The Salvation Army also tries to support the them to stay at various locations at different
find an appropriate form of independent
first professionals to be alerted to the young young person and the household they are periods of time.
living or a more permanent community
person’s precarious situation, when they are staying in by providing welfare support, food,
placement.’
contacted by another student’s parents after referral to specialist agencies and transport With continual moving from place to place
the young person has spent time staying in if needed. young people lose their belongings and to
Associate Professor David MacKenzie
the homes of several different friends. some extent their identity. They have no
(NYC Commissioner)
status within the household and can be >
 further victimised. One young woman twice gravitate to staying with friends and this • Getting out of domestic violence situations.
Tears roll down my cheeks
cycled through the same household. On each may eventually end up in all types of risky or
No-one cares and no-one speaks
occasion her possessions were ‘held’ by the unsuitable living conditions. • Connecting with adults I can trust.
I want someone to hear me
host pending payment of money; in the latest
Everyone seems to be deaf • Getting through the initial crisis of
case $200 for an alleged phone bill. She Concluding Statement
I want someone to see me leaving home.
claims she made two local calls. The lack of affordable and/or appropriate
Everyone seems to be blind
housing options is the primary reason why
I want someone to hold me • Accessing Centrelink payments.
It is also concerning that a significant number young people choose to couch-surf following
Everyone seems out of reach
of young people engage in couch-surfing on a breakdown in the relationship at home.
I want someone to love me • Finding, local suitable crisis
a long-term basis. One young person known
Everyone acts dumb accommodation.
to a Salvation Army youth service had been Although young people who couch-surf

couch-surfing with friends and extended have a ‘roof over their head’ they do not
Ruby • Being supported to move into safe,
family for more than three years. have the support and guidance they need
affordable long-term housing.
to enable them to progress to independent
Notwithstanding the insecurity of couch- living. Furthermore, if the accommodation
What needs to happen:
surfing, many young people would rather provided is in an unstable environment where
• Provide support to families/individuals who
live in less-than-suitable conditions domestic violence and substance abuse is
are hosting young people through ‘couch-
with friends, than live in hostel-type accepted as normal, the young person has
surfing’ arrangements. This can take the
accommodation with strangers. little opportunity to break the cycle.
form of respite care, material support,
assistance with transport, as well as
Young People in State Care As well as ensuring there is sufficient
professional advice and counselling.
Young people in state care constitute a emergency and long-term housing options
seriously vulnerable group who are at for young people, we also need to respond
• Ensure a smooth transition for young
risk of becoming chronically homeless, to the range of issues confronting young
people leaving state care. The Transitional
particularly if the foster care arrangement homeless people.
Supported Accommodation for Youth
breaks down or when these young people
(TSAY) program is an effective way of
leave the protective care arrangements. In Finding my way to a safer place means:
identifying and supporting young people
many instances, young people leaving care, • Getting away from drug and alcohol misuse.
when they are in transition.
FINDING
MY PLACE 19
Photo: Fairfax Community Network | Photographer: Shane Bell
 FINDING
MY PLACE 21

WHERE DO I GO NOW?

Homelessness is not an event but rather a

‘Homelessness is an absolute tragedy.
process that requires support over a period
To know that you don’t belong anywhere,
of time. Adolescence is a transition in itself.
that you have no home to shelter in, and
It is a time of taking risks, of exploring who
no one to support you. It is one of the
I am, of forging an identity separate from
most distressing experiences a person
my parents and, for some young people, it
can have ...’
can also be a time of great turbulence and

Self-actualisation confusion. For young people who leave home
Major David Eldridge personal growth and fulfilment during adolescence this adds a whole new
NYC Commissioner
struggle to an already turbulent time.

Living on the Streets

Young people who experience
homelessness have a significant shift in their
Esteem needs ability and opportunity to think and plan for
achievement, status, responsibility, reputation the future. Their immediate priorities revolve
around basic survival – food, shelter, warmth
and the alleviation of pain. As expressed in
Belongingness and love needs Maslow’s ‘Hierarchy of Needs’, when people
family, affection, relationships, work group, etc are cold and hungry or in pain their main
concern is to have these basic physiological
needs satisfied, ahead of anything else.
Safety needs
As a consequence, issues that impact
protection, security, order, law, limits, stability, etc
on their future security and well-being – such
as education, employment and long-term
Physiological needs accommodation – do not enter
basic life needs – air, food, drink, shelter, warmth, sleep, etc their thinking. >

Maslow’s ‘Hierarchy of Needs’

 A young person’s need to feel accepted and Often these young people don’t realise either Finding my place off the street means:
A young 17-year-old visited a Salvation
safe is often met through the forming of social the long- or short-term risks associated • Keeping me connected through
Army youth centre on the Central
groups with other street young people, whom with living on the streets. Young people are creative activities.
Coast of NSW. He was experiencing
they often consider to be their family. These particularly vulnerable to adults who prey on
auditory hallucinations and appeared to
groups are made up of varying ages and the their naivety and subject them to horrendous • Getting connected to another healthy
be developmentally delayed. This was
sense of family is demonstrated generally exploitation and cruelty. Young people can community that I can belong to, where I feel
confirmed by tests that diagnosed this
by the more experienced looking out for the quickly become dependent upon those welcome and valued.
young person as having the mental and
most vulnerable. One young person talks who are regarded as ‘street parents’. The
emotional behaviour of a 12-year-old. His
about an increased sense of belonging, Salvation Army has witnessed examples • Centrelink coming to me, to help me
relationship with his family broke down
self-worth and purpose living on the streets of young people who have been sexually sort out my income.
to the point where he needed to move
as he has a role in looking out for some of the exploited and forced to participate in sex
out of home. Unfortunately, there was no
younger homeless people and helping to link work and pornography, and others who • Health and legal services being accessible.
accommodation available locally and the
them into support agencies. have been forced to sell drugs for their
closest youth refuge was several hundred
street family. What needs to happen:
kilometres away. This young person had
However, there are many negative aspects • Keep young people connected, develop
no contacts in this area and his support
of this street family. They often introduce Concluding Statement relationships with them, and help them to
network and friends all lived on the Central
each other to drugs, crime and other ways While for some young people the experience access services quickly.
Coast. The young person was afraid to
of making money such as sex work. They of homelessness may be temporary, it is
move away from all that was familiar and
usually have their own unresolved issues, and occurring at a critical development time, • Develop programs to creatively engage
reluctantly chose to live on the street so
while they provide some degree of mutual interrupting education, relationship and young people, even while involved in street
he could stay in his local area. He had no
support to each other, it is rare that they psychological development. During this life, and offer opportunities to participate
where else to go and so began a life on
are able to provide any positive emotional critical time, a young person needs and in recreation, team sports, social outings,
the streets.
support. The homeless young person is entitled to a secure, safe and loving drama, art, poetry, and so on.
therefore rarely talks about their issues, environment with access to education and
pushing them further under the surface or health care. It is essential that there are safety • Ensure that all essential services have some
taking drugs whenever the pain emerges. nets to catch young people whose family outreach and after-hours capacity to reach
cannot offer these things. young people in the streets (e.g. Centrelink,
health, legal, and youth support workers).
 FINDING
MY PLACE 23

Recently, Oasis staff received a desperate Alec to set up an email account and he sent a As I walk through the back streets
call from a young man who had stayed a short message to his parents in Brisbane. of Sydney
few nights at the Oasis crisis shelter. He Alec grew up in a Brisbane suburban I saw him again two nights later. He came Dragging my feet along the tight
told them his drug addiction was out of home with a loving mother and father. As back on the bus again, had a cup of coffee, narrow streets
control. Homeless, sick and desperate, he entered his teenage years, he became another chat, and I showed how to bring Wondering where I’m going to rest my
sitting one night at Central station with no increasingly angry and, one night, after up his email. It was just great – he had head for the night
idea what to do, he had been befriended a particularly bitter fight with his parents, an email back from his mum. I received a I have no blanket or a smoke
by a man who offered to help him set up Alec stormed out the front door and never phone call from him about three weeks later. I can’t even think of a joke
his own business. That business involved returned. Four years on, while living on the He’d moved back to Brisbane, back to his Apart from this one
Chris performing live sex acts on the streets, Alec met the Oasis StreetConnect parents and everything was going fine. He’d No money, no clothes
Internet to people all over the world who Van Chaplain late one night in the back also enrolled in TAFE. I actually spoke to his I wish I had a piece of hose
paid his new friend to see this 17-year- streets of Sydney. The Chaplain says: ‘Alec mum on the phone, and she thanked us so I’m in need of a home
old performing. In return Chris was given was homeless when we met him. He’d been deeply for our work and said if it wasn’t for So I won’t be alone
drugs and housing. He never saw any living at backpacker hostels or squatting. Oasis, she might never have found him.’ I think it’s time to move on
money for the work he did, and it was only We started chatting and he told me he had It’s no real fun
later that he realised that this business was an old email address for his parents, but
killing his soul, plunging him even further hadn’t had any contact with them since he Malcolm
into darkness. ‘Help me get out,’ he left home.’ The Chaplain explained to Alec
pleaded. Oasis made contact with Chris, that the bus could help him get in touch
relocated him, and are helping him recover with his family and suggested he send
from the impact of this abuse. them a quick email: ‘I showed Alec how
 FINDING
MY PLACE 25

THIS IS TOO HARD

Young homeless people experience poor with puberty, experimentation with drugs Targeted Youth Health Services
‘And homeless near a thousand homes I
physical and mental health, usually as a result and alcohol and sexuality, and the general Salvation Army youth services report there
stood, And near a thousand tables pined
of poor nutrition, poor hygiene, drug and turbulence of adolescent developmental is a lack of accessible and affordable
and wanted food.’
alcohol misuse, and exposure to extreme factors such as risk-taking behaviours and health services that cater for young people,
trauma. Our experience is that homeless changing relationships. including general health services, dental
William Wordsworth
and other at-risk young people have multiple health services and mental health services.
health issues that need urgent attention. Binge Drinking
Salvation Army youth services work with Young people accessing Salvation Army
While the recorded number of young young people whose drinking behaviour homeless services are unable to afford
homeless teenagers has declined slightly is putting them at serious risk. The culture medical treatment from private practitioners
since the 2001 Census, all Salvation Army of drinking within our society gives young and, therefore, go through the public health
centres report that they are dealing with a people the message that drinking alcohol to system or utilise bulk-billing services.
much more complex range of crisis issues excess, is socially acceptable. But like drug However, the scarcity of general practitioners,
such as poly drug use, poor mental health, use, young people who are homeless or at- particularly in regional Australia, often means
neglect, abuse and exploitation. risk are not drinking just for social reasons; there is no access to bulk-billing services.
they drink to ‘avoid the pain’. Alcohol Sometimes there may be only one medical
The last 10 years have seen a marked and illicit drugs become their way of self- centre accepting new patients in a rural and
increase in the number of young people medicating, providing an anaesthetic to dull regional area. This creates a real barrier for
presenting to Salvation Army youth services the pain and deep trauma they prefer not young homeless people who urgently
with significant mental health issues. Mental to acknowledge. need help. >
health is a complex issue, particularly for
young people; developing problems coincide
 Because of the barriers to accessing Often, frustrating bureaucracy makes it even Salvation Army services report many
I stand at this station all alone
mainstream health services, young people more difficult for young people to access occasions where they have waited for
No friends
are less likely to seek medical attention appropriate care. One of our services hours in public hospitals with young people
No family
for what they consider to be minor health reported the experience of a young woman who are anxious to get medical support to
No place to call home
ailments. As a result, these initially ‘simple’ who was staying in a Salvation Army youth deal with an immediate crisis or to access
conditions can degenerate into much more refuge. She had a significant history of detoxification services. The lack of beds and
All the hurt and pain
serious health matters. self-harm and was a client of a mental the limited number of medical staff on duty
Inside of me
health service in a nearby region. She called often means that immediate support is not
And the only thing
Access to Health Services them one evening in a crisis situation, but available. The moment for intervention passes
I want is to be set free
Depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicide despite knowing her history and situation, and the young person gives up, going back
ideation are major health issues for homeless the after-hours crisis team could not come to a life of survival in whichever way they can,
The crime and the drugs
young people. The ability to easily access to the refuge as it was out of their area. on the streets. >
Is all that seems left
mental health services is a high priority and She was advised to meet them 100 metres
For me to escape
requires urgent attention, particularly ‘after- up the road as this was the boundary for
Because the only thing
hours’ crisis services for young people. their particular geographic region. We are
I’ve ever known
extremely concerned that this young woman
Was hate and rape
Salvation Army youth workers report that could not be treated in a safe environment at
the hospital system is confusing for young our centre and was put at greater risk, simply
All I ever do is run and hide
people and the process of accessing mental because she did not fit within a line drawn
When all I ever wanted
health services within the hospital system on a map. The system fails if it does not put
Was to feel love inside
varies from hospital to hospital. This lack of the person first or have sufficient flexibility to
consistency and accessibility is confusing for respond to their urgent needs.
Niel
both youth workers and young people.
 FINDING
MY PLACE 27

Joe a mental health issue, despite his having The young man decided not to accept Jenny
been a client of the child youth mental health this offer; he then spent some time on the
Joe was referred to one of The Salvation services for many years. streets before being picked up and admitted Jenny has been diagnosed with acute
Army’s youth refuges from the local men’s to the mental health unit. His condition had schizophrenia since she was 18 years old,
hostel. There were concerns that he The youth worker then contacted deteriorated significantly. two years ago. Since then she has spent
would be unable to protect himself in an Disability Services and organised an long stints in hospital and, in between, has
environment with older people. The staff at interview for Joe. The youth worker This young person was subjected to an attended a vocational training program
the youth refuge assessed that this young accompanied him to this meeting and was unsafe environment for a longer period offered in a Salvation Army youth service. It
person needed to be referred to a mental told by Disability Services that Joe did not than was necessary due to a lack of has taken over two years to get Certificate
health unit. He appeared to be hallucinating have a disability and they thought he was responsiveness of the system. 2, but during this time Jenny has been
and was unable to fulfil his basic needs quite capable of living independently. able to develop ongoing friendships and
without assistance, including dressing skills. This has been the one stable factor
and eating. Joe had complicated addiction This process was frustrating for the youth in her life. Providing Jenny with holistic
issues and needed rehabilitation services worker and the young person involved could and community-based support in a safe
that were not available in the area. not comprehend what was happening. environment has helped to reduce the
It was not surprising that all he wanted stigma of mental health, and she has been
The Salvation Army youth worker to do at this stage was find alcohol or accepted as part of the community.
accompanied Joe to the mental health unit drugs. The youth worker offered the young
and spent approximately four hours waiting person accommodation for the weekend
to see someone. They were then told that and agreed to pursue the issue for him on
there was nothing the mental health unit Monday.
could do as they felt Joe had a disability not
Concluding Statement Finding a healthy place means: • Facilitate home visits by mental health • Develop programs to educate young
The mental health treatment issue is one that • Access to detox and rehab services when workers for young people discharged from people on the dangers of binge drinking
needs major attention by governments. Our I’m ready. mental health units, to assess progress and alcohol abuse.
experience suggests that people with mental and ensure that young people are taking
illness, particularly when it is combined with • Being able to access mental health services appropriate medication. • Facilitate access to medical services at
poverty or disconnection from family, have that understand me. known, safe and comfortable locations, e.g.
been largely left to fend for themselves. As • Create a continuum of care through linked youth refuges, drop-in centres.
a result, many are homeless or in detention. • Being able to access youth-friendly general ‘communities of service’ that provide a
Young homeless people with mental health health services. range of services, e.g. drug and alcohol • Develop programs that show young people
issues are a particularly vulnerable group. rehabilitation, mental health services, how to maintain a healthy diet and provide
Often exacerbated by drug use, their mental • Crisis services that operate after hours. general health services, dental health, after- hands-on training in how to prepare healthy,
health conditions can be acute, placing them care and other therapeutic interventions. simple meals.
in danger of serious harm. They are often • After-care services so that I don’t get
reluctant to seek help being self-conscious sick again. • Ensure access to community-based detox • Implement drug and health education
about the label of mental illness. and rehabilitation programs. Establish programs, and encourage a young person
• Being able to eat healthy, nutritious food. youth-friendly mental health and drug to stay safe until they are ready to address
They need consistent support from people rehabilitation programs in regional and their particular issues.
they trust who can monitor their condition What needs to happen: rural settings so that the young person
and undertake appropriate interventions • Create affordable, accessible, youth- is able to heal in an environment that is • Focus on creative and fun activities that
when required. It is critical that we develop friendly clinics. familiar to them and not too far from their provide young people with an opportunity
services for these young people that are support networks. to socialise, especially during difficult
strength-based, holistic and integrated. • Ensure that joint protocols are developed times. Recreation and social activities
between mental health services and • Create after-care services for young people play an important part in helping young
community support services. who have been through detox or rehab. people through periods of mental and
emotional crisis.
FINDING
MY PLACE 29
 FINDING
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THIS IS GETTING SCARY

Young people entrenched in street The longer young people remain on the first begin life on the street, providing
‘A consequence of homelessness is that
life are frequently exposed to violence, streets, the more disconnected they become. them with vital information about staying
the quality of life for the whole community
abuse, exploitation, as well as alcohol and Because of their life experiences they often healthy and giving them options to move
is diminished. People will do whatever it
drugs. Their self-esteem diminishes and perceive adults and authority figures in a into safer accommodation.
takes to survive, including turning to crime
every aspect of their life is impacted. They negative way. Police are invariably the enemy.
if they have to.’
experience feelings of worthlessness and Most are reluctant to ask for help, preferring For young people entrenched in street life
hopelessness and life becomes a raw contest street life to risk being disappointed again. it is essential that street outreach services
Major David Eldridge
of survival of the fittest. consistently move into their environment,
As young people become more entrenched persisting in offering information, referrals and
The extreme harshness of street life and in street life there is a greater risk of them most importantly hope. They may be the only
the lack of protection given to these young becoming involved in criminal activities or voice speaking positive things into a young
people propels them into survival mode. Their becoming involved with unscrupulous adults person’s life.
primary focus is on where they will sleep who will exploit their vulnerability, particularly
tonight, how they will get food to eat and in respect to drug-running and sexual abuse. Young people need a foundation for hope
often how they will get drugs. to combat the feelings of overwhelming
For some young people the result is that they hopelessness that in turn can lead to suicide
The lack of proper hygiene and good nutrition end up in jail for long periods of their lives; and other self-destructive behaviours. It is
takes its toll. Their health deteriorates others end up with significant mental health vitality important that society doesn’t give up
significantly; they are sleeping in cold, damp issues and there are young people who end on these young people.
places. If they are sexually active, they may up dead from drug overdoses or suicide.
be exposed to various sexually transmitted Finding a safe place means:
diseases. They may be experimenting with Concluding Statement • Youth workers coming into my environment
different and harmful substances to get Living on the streets for prolonged periods and showing me how to get the support I
a ‘cheap high’ and this exposes them to of time means that young people become need.
potential brain injury. disconnected from mainstream society and
enter into a negative subculture. It is critical • Getting the information I need to stay safe
that youth support services are highly visible while I’m on the street. >
and accessible to young people when they
 • Being treated with respect.
A young person came to see one of our In Kings Cross there is a place called ‘the don’t know how to get out. Please help me.’
youth housing workers. He had been Wall’, where young men, often caught up Below was his email address.
• Learning to trust adults.
sleeping under a boatshed on and off for in drug abuse, desperately needing money,
some months. He had been frequently sell themselves. It is one of the places the We were able to use this address to make
• Showing me that society does care
assaulted and could no longer walk the Oasis Streetnet mobile technology van contact with this desperate young man.
about us.
streets. He had not bathed for some time visits. For a number of weeks a young Over a number of nights we were able to
and had no means to wash his clothes. man would come on board at this stop. reassure him that change was possible,
What needs to happen:
He was 17. He’d spend half an hour on that a heroin addiction could be overcome,
• Establish visible and youth friendly
the computers and have a coffee, before and that we could keep him safe from the
outreach services and facilities (e.g.
disappearing into the night. pimp that was controlling his life. Eventually
Internet Bus) that should provide
we were able to meet him in a safe place.
basic necessities such as food, blankets,
One night as he got up to leave the van, We were able to get him away from the
clothing as well as access to counselling
he called a worker over to the computer man who kept him imprisoned with drugs
and information services.
he was using. ‘There’s a problem here,’ and fear. Today he is in a Salvation Army
he said, as he jumped out of the van and rehabilitation centre in another state,
• Establish high profile drop-in centres as
disappeared into the night. The worker went rebuilding his life.
safety zones for young people.
over to check the computer. There was no
problem with the way it worked, but across
• Establish outreach programs in which funds
the screen the young man had typed these
are provided for outreach workers (including
words, ‘Please help me. I’m scared to talk
training for corporate volunteers) who can
to anyone. I feel I’m trapped in this life and I
develop relationships with young people,
gain their trust, become their mentors and
help to instil a sense of hope.
FINDING
MY PLACE 33
>
 FINDING
MY PLACE 35

E
HELP ME GET OUT OF TROUBL

The NYC report refers to the ‘criminalisation Salvation Army services operating in both We are deeply concerned to see
‘At present every prison is more or less a
of homelessness’ when it looks at the various Perth and Brisbane report that ‘move on impressionable young people being placed
training school for crime, an introduction
issues that cause young people to come to powers’ and 24-hour bans, particularly in in custody, often with more experienced
to the society of criminals, the petrification
the attention of law enforcement officers. The the inner-city area have displaced homeless criminals and have repeatedly witnessed
of any lingering human feeling and a very
issues raised in the report concur with The young people to the outer suburbs, where the negative cycle that this can create.
Bastile of Despair.’
Salvation Army’s experience. Many of the there are limited supports. This places a
young homeless people we work with find strain on the small number of services in Preventative Approaches
General William Booth
themselves under frequent police scrutiny. these regions. Concerted efforts need to be taken and
(Founder of The Salvation Army)
innovative programs developed to look at
Apart from the obvious crimes young people We agree with NYC findings that show this preventative measures that will help young
commit often out of economic necessity – approach results in further exclusion and people not to commit criminal offences.
such as petty theft or public transport fare marginalisation of young people, whose We also need to focus more on developing
evasion – there are numerous other aspects networks are disrupted and who find court diversion programs that redirect young
of homelessness that turn young people themselves totally alienated from the people people from detention into specifically
into inadvertent offenders. For example, and places they know. designed programs that will assist them to
laws relating to begging, being intoxicated address the issues, including homelessness,
in a public place, being unable to pay fines The combination of all these issues means that led them to offend. The Salvation Army
that accumulate over a period of time and there is a high risk of many homeless young is currently involved in operating several
particularly the ‘move on laws’ that give people ending up in juvenile detention centres successful diversion programs for young
police the power to ask a young person to or prison. offenders, and we strongly encourage an
move away from specific areas, for a certain expansion of these approaches so that young
period of time. people are not imprisoned. >
 The Salvation Army also has a presence Significant numbers of young people who
Rodney is a very damaged 16-year-old who New resources were available to assist him in
was raised by a father who was an alcoholic. a way we never could in our minimally funded
at various magistrate, children’s and family end up in juvenile detention centres or
He never knew his mother and has lived on SAAP refuge. A worker was available to work courts through its court and prison chaplains prison, have family members who have
and off the streets since he was 13. He had intensively several times a week with him who are available to provide support and been incarcerated. These families may also
learnt to survive through crime, and cope with over a prolonged period of time, and we saw advice to young people and their families. be dealing with multiple family concerns
his pain through drugs. Our refuge (Oasis little miracles begin to happen. He went to a This is critically important as it creates an including alcohol misuse, gambling, poverty
Crisis Accommodation Service) couldn’t drug rehab program. He worked on learning opportunity to connect with young people and domestic violence. As a consequence,
contain his behaviour or drug abuse and new ways of controlling his anger. He started and redirect them into positive lifestyle if a young person returns to their family
the things that went with it – assaults, drug vocational training – something no-one who programs and other interventions that help following their release, there is a risk of them
dealing, property damage, theft. He inevitably knew him would have thought possible in his them address some of their underlying issues. falling into a pattern of re-offending unless
fell into the hands of the juvenile justice system crazy days of using. He received personal
intensive support is offered to the young
and spent time in detention. He was offered tuition in literacy/numeracy and something
Post Release Programs person in conjunction with counselling and
the opportunity to work with the NSW Drug he never dreamt possible – he was given the
Court program that gives young people facing opportunity to learn how to play a guitar. In our experience, young people leaving support to the family unit.
detention the opportunity to work intensively detention, either juvenile detention centres or
with case workers to address their underlying Eleven months on Rodney is a different young adult correction centres, at the completion of The Salvation Army has been funded to run
problems. Oasis partners with the Department man, in stable accommodation, with a different their sentence or on parole are often released several post-release programs in different
of Community Services and the Department of outlook on life. The program is both intensive without adequate support. There appears parts of Australia. However, each of these
Juvenile Justice to provide Youth Drug Court and expensive, but it has saved this young to be a lack of appropriate planning in the services comment that their work is under-
casework services in the inner city area, and man’s life, and possibly saved the community process, including poor communication and funded and that this limits the level of support
they had the opportunity to work with this from unknown amounts of suffering and cost. coordination between the various elements of and interventions they can provide to address
damaged young boy again in a new and more the system. the many complex issues impacting upon
intensive way.
these young people.
 FINDING
MY PLACE 37

Salvation Army youth services report that

A young man was brought to a Salvation Army youth programs, including ‘Beat the He also completed a vocational
young people who have had experience
Army program by the Youth Advocacy Streets Drumming’ and ‘Healthy Lifestyles training program and succeeded in
with the criminal justice system present
Centre worker who had met him in court. Boxing Program’, and by becoming part of gaining an apprenticeship.
significant challenges. They often take some
Having received a caution, the Magistrate an accepting community.
time to develop trust and to adjust to a
instructed the young man to seek out At the end of 14 months, this young man
non-adversarial setting. The most powerful
positive community interactions and The drumming program helped him develop had managed to get his life well and truly
contribution we can make in supporting personal confidence and gave him a positive back on track through the support and
‘get his life on track’. He had no stable
these young people is the experience of accommodation; a 24-hour Internet café experience with the local police who support encouragement he received and through his
a ‘belonging community’, with long-term was ‘home’. He had limited family contact the program. Boxing became something own determination.
unconditional acceptance. Intensive support due to a volatile relationship with his that the young man pursued beyond the
and access to programs that focus on stepfather. In addition he had contact with scope of the program. He developed a He had reconnected with family, improved
positive interactions, education, vocational Youth Justice, and had limited education relationship with the gym and trainers who his education and developed vocational
training, and employment are essential for and work skills. agreed that, if he assisted with cleaning one skills, moved into private rental, improved
both preventative and post-incarceration afternoon a week, he could train for free at his health and reduced his alcohol intake.
work to be effective. Over the course of the next 14 months, with the gym anytime. He had no Youth Justice involvement
intensive support this young man was able and had maintained full-time work for an
Concluding Statement to ‘get on track’. He moved into supported This physical activity not only improved his extended period.
Because of their life circumstances there is accommodation where he developed life fitness and health levels, it also encouraged
a risk that homeless young people can be skills such as budgeting, cooking, cleaning, the young man to reduce his alcohol and
caught up in a cycle of offending behaviour laundry, etc, and had somewhere to call drug use and was a positive outlet for
and come to the attention of law enforcement home. He developed positive interpersonal any aggression.
agencies and the courts. > skills by participating in various Salvation
A young person’s first appearance before vital that all of the agencies involved have a What needs to happen:
the court provides the community with an shared vision to positively support and assist • Establish protocols that ensure stronger
opportunity to look behind the offending young people to avoid negative interactions coordination and communication between
behaviour, understand what is happening in with law enforcement, and to achieve all elements of the Juvenile Justice system.
the young person’s life, and provide programs effective rehabilitation into the community
that will intervene and divert them to a more when this fails. • Develop a youth card that will provide
positive path. It is essential, therefore, that young people with access to concessions
prevention and diversion programs are Finding my place out of the juvenile on certain purchases, e.g. transport fares.
readily available at these crucial times. Such justice system means:
programs will provide intensive support for • Having enough money to pay for the • Develop preventative programs for young
young people and help them address their essentials, like food, clothing, transport people who are ‘at-risk’ of offending.
underlying issues. and housing.
• Develop more court diversion programs for
It is also critically important that post-release • Getting out of the wrong crowd. young offenders to assist them to address
programs are available to work extensively their issues, including homelessness, and to
with young people leaving detention at the • Having a safe place to live. reduce their chances of re-offending.
completion of their sentence.
• Giving me information and options so that I • Establish a Post-Release Program that
We must also ensure that all elements within don’t unintentionally break the law. provides case management support and
the criminal justice and law enforcement sufficient brokerage funds to support young
systems are well coordinated and work • Having support and guidance when I come people exiting the Juvenile Justice system
effectively with youth support services. It is out of detention. and adult correction centres.
FINDING
MY PLACE 39
 FINDING
MY PLACE 41

I NEED A SAFE PLACE TO LIVE

The NYC report discusses the issues A direct consequence of Australia’s national Accessing SAAP
‘Change is one of the most significant
impacting on the Supported Accommodation housing affordability crisis has been a marked When people are confronted with having
implications of the developmental stage
Assistance Program (SAAP) in great detail increase in the incidence of homelessness. to access the Supported Accommodation
of young people. Continuity and stability
and specifically looks at the unmet demand The flow-on effect from those struggling with Assistance Program, they are often faced
of support is critical – like a young bird
for SAAP services. The Salvation Army is higher mortgages to those paying higher with difficulties in obtaining immediate
leaving the nest, returning many times
a significant provider of supported housing rents, directly leads to the poorest and most support because of some of the SAAP
before finally becoming strong enough to
and our refuge and crisis accommodation disadvantaged families being pushed out on administration arrangements. In particular,
fly away and find their own home.’
centres are stretched to the limit. The to the streets. in Victoria the development of single entry
demand is always greater than the capacity; point arrangements to access SAAP
Ms Elise Briggs,
this has become increasingly problematic in It is essential that we have programs in place services through a central referral agency
Manager The Ark – Salvation
recent years with the skyrocketing costs of that are able to provide financial support or is complicating the process and making it
Army Youth Support Services,
private rental accommodation and the lack advice to people before they get into financial difficult to respond to the individual needs of
Newcastle.
of availability of public housing. Low-cost difficulties and end up being evicted because young people, particularly young people in
housing options tend to be boarding houses they are unable to pay the rent. an urgent crisis situation. In one instance, a
or cheap hotels that are often unsafe and Friday afternoon caller for crisis housing was
inappropriate options for young people. Stable, safe, affordable accommodation is told they could be wait-listed for an interview
an essential element in the development in three weeks time!
Young people, particularly, have difficulty of young people and all aspects of their
in accessing private rental accommodation, lives including education, employment, Additional difficulties in SAAP program
with no rental history or references. Many relationships and health and wellbeing. As design are encountered with the movement
of our youth services report that real estate well as ensuring an adequate supply of safe of people from refuge to transitional to
agents in some areas will not even consider affordable housing, it would be useful to independent housing. Young people need
young people for rental properties. Added to explore different models of housing support to be well supported during the transition
this is the significant cost in obtaining private for young homeless people, including housing from crisis accommodation through to
rental accommodation. options that are linked to education and/ independent living. The standard,13-week
or vocational training, similar to the ‘Foyer’ duration for SAAP crisis accommodation
model operating in the United Kingdom does not take into account the different
and Europe. situations of homeless young people. The >
 issues to be addressed are multiple and also need to keep them connected to healthy (CHA) to provide ongoing support to young
Jenny
varied, ranging from drug and alcohol communities, where they can develop people who move into CHA rental properties.
use, family and relationship breakdown, interpersonal and social skills. Salvation Army youth services are able to
Jenny, a 20-year-old, was living in private
rental with her boyfriend and had full-time disability, mental health, unemployment, help young people maintain their tenancy by
employment working as a qualified chef. underemployment, financial difficulties, Many young people making the transition to assisting them to address any issues that
Jenny’s boyfriend had a substance use domestic abuse, sexual abuse, physical and independent living have a range of unresolved impact their ability to live independently.
problem and a criminal history; he was emotional abuse, health issues, legal issues, problems including mental health issues,
subsequently arrested and sentenced and education deficits. The length of time drug and alcohol addictions, cognitive and Regional Services
to a custodial term. The financial strain young people are able to remain in a SAAP behavioural problems and dysfunctional Salvation Army services operating in
placed on Jenny to maintain the property service should be determined by the needs of relationships with family. Intensive support regional areas of Australia report there is
on her own resulted in her being unable the young person rather than predicated by is critical if we are to avoid the possibility of a lack of supported accommodation in
to make the rental payments. She found inflexible benchmarks. the young person becoming homeless again. these areas, compared to the need. Young
herself in rental arrears and was evicted This support needs to be consistent, positive people are unable to access transitional
from her property. Jenny went from stable Transitional Support and holistic. supported housing and have few options
housing to being homeless; soon after, Further assistance through outreach following a stay in crisis accommodation. It
her employment fell through. The lack of services must be provided to young people, Partnerships with Community is important to ensure adequate transitional
employment exacerbated her financial both during transition from supported Housing Associations housing arrangements and post-supported
problems and she found that she was accommodation, and post-SAAP when The Salvation Army strongly recommends accommodation services are available to
unable to gather the necessary funds to they have secured alternative, independent that a program of support be available to young people in regional centres as well as in
source another private rental and therefore accommodation. Even in cases where the help young people move into independent capital cities.
began accessing SAAP services. young person has a strong desire and feels housing. This program would assist young
ready to live independently, they often do people to develop living skills and link with Young People in Care
In this situation if Jenny had received
not have the skills to maintain their own various community services that can support Salvation Army services have significant
support and assistance to help her
accommodation. Services need to be them with advocacy, information, education experience in working with young people in
maintain her accommodation (either a
available to help them develop relevant and employment. state care. Our experience is that many of
loan or a short-term subsidy), she
could have stayed in her private rental life skills such as budgeting, managing these young people can drift into homelessness
rather than spiralling downwards into household expenses, shopping, cooking and Several Salvation Army youth services when they leave state care, unless there
homelessness, unemployment, and all general household maintenance. Services partner with Community Housing Association are substantial supports available to them.
that accompanies this.
 FINDING
MY PLACE 43

Salvation Army services in Victoria provide a the specific needs of each young person and What needs to happen: • Develop a variety of additional
range of supports for young people leaving not by a prescribed program model. •A
 ddress the housing affordability crisis, accommodation options. For example:
care, including the Transitional Supported and improve waiting lists and access to — Accommodation with
Accommodation for Youth (TSAY) which An important factor in providing support public housing. accompanying supports for young
is essentially a multi-disciplinary case to young people involves linking them into people leaving detention.
management approach that works intensively positive social networks, where they have •E
 nsure there are sufficient youth crisis and
with young people to help them make a a sense of connection and belonging either transitional housing options in cities and — Accommodation with accompanying
successful transition to independent living. through education, recreation, sport, etc. major regional centres. supports for young people in education,
vocational training and for those
Concluding Statement Finding stable, ongoing •E
 stablish postvention support programs transitioning into the workforce
Additional financial resources and innovative accommodation means: to help young people sustain their (Foyer model).
schemes to encourage private investment •B eing able to access crisis accommodation independent living arrangements.
in public housing are essential to address immediately. • Provide practical financial support for young
the supply problems that currently exist in •E
 nsure young people in transition homeless people (15-25 years) to assist
Australia and reduce housing waiting lists. •H
 aving help to overcome issues associated have access to an outreach worker them in obtaining the necessary items to
with drug or alcohol misuse and other who can continue to provide case establish a household.
It is also critically important that supported health issues. management support.
housing options are readily accessible
for young people experiencing crisis. •B
 eing helped to develop the skills I need to •E
 stablish a program to help develop the
Furthermore it is essential that ongoing, live independently. skills and capacities of young people to
intensive postvention supports are available engage in shared housing.
to help young homeless people make the •H
 elping me to develop positive relationships
transition from crisis accommodation to with people who are important to me. •S
 upport partnership arrangements
independent living. between Community Housing Associations
and community-based youth support
Given the complexity of needs and the issues agencies, by funding workers to provide
confronting young people, the length and outreach support for young people living in
level of this support should be determined by community housing.
Rebecca Sara The intention of this program is to provide Sara has also recently completed a 12-week
intensive support to help Sara move towards TAFE program, Chefs for the Future, and is
Rebecca had been referred to a Salvation Sara is 17 and was the subject of protective independent living by building on her keen to pursue employment in hospitality.
Army Leaving Care Program. She intervention as a ‘child not protected strengths, and identifying and working on Although Sara has received little support
had been living in a family placement from emotional or psychological harm by any development issues. Although Sara had from family members, she has recently
arrangement through the Department of parents’. She was subsequently placed in demonstrated a reasonable ability to self- rekindled contact with a stepbrother, which
Human Services. Rebecca was estranged a Department of Human Services funded manage, she continued to be susceptible she finds a very positive move.
from her father and in a conflictual youth residential service, in Victoria. to peer influences including older young
relationship with her mother. She had a people staying at the property, ongoing drug
drug addiction, was a self-harmer, had When Sara left the residential unit she and alcohol issues, and unacceptable noise
anger management issues and low experienced a period of transience, staying and damage to the property caused by
self-esteem. with a family member and various associates others. This led to neighbour complaints and
for short periods. Sara indicated her reason subsequent tenancy breaches.
Rebecca was encouraged to participate for moving from the residential unit was
in a living skills program and was placed her susceptibility to a drugs and alcohol Sara recently completed a period of
in a Transitional Housing Management culture that was present. Sara was referred probation with Youth Justice and is
property with a friend. Rebecca’s situation to a Leaving Care Program and placed in a managing to avoid further activity that would
gradually stabilised and her moments of Transitional Housing Management property. attract police action. For a significant period
anxiety became further apart. Rebecca she had struggled with intravenous and poly
obtained employment and her self-esteem drug use and recently completed several
improved. She was able to move into residential detoxes.
private rental. Rebecca was provided
with ongoing support as she made
the transition to independent living. As
her situation improved she was able to
gradually reconnect with her parents and
her brother.
FINDING
MY PLACE 45
 FINDING
MY PLACE 47

HELP ME TO GET EDUCATION

The National Youth Commission Inquiry including future employment opportunities. who have learning difficulties or those who
‘We should have as much right as every
comments on the problems that homeless The recent OECD report, ‘Education struggle at school need to be provided with
other kid in this world to get the education
young people have in relation to school at a Glance,’ confirms that ‘the longer higher levels of assistance and personalised
we need, some kids like me can’t study
attendance and completion. It states that individuals spend in education, the more approaches that aim to keep them at school
in the main stream school, some of the
‘many have been suspended or excluded likely they are to be in employment and to or in education and reduce the risk of them
reasons are because we get distracted too
from schools for behavioural or other reasons. earn more.’1 However, in Australia ‘close to becoming homeless.
easily, we needed more help with our work
Some just simply stop attending classes as it one in five young adults in May 2006 had
than others, we get teased a lot and we
is too difficult to concentrate on school when not completed Year 12 or a Certificate III Research has shown that parental
find it really hard to ask for help.’
issues of accommodation have priority.’ vocational qualification.’2 For young people involvement and encouragement in schooling
(NYC REPORT) who are homeless or at-risk, their potential to leads to improved educational outcomes
Lisa (2007)
achieve higher school qualifications is greatly for children. However, many of the young
The experience of Salvation Army youth diminished because of the multiple barriers people who access our services have not
services confirms this statement. Many of they face. experienced this level of support in their
the young people we work with have found it home environment.
difficult to sustain their attendance at school All children have a fundamental right to
through the experience of homelessness. education and we have a responsibility to In The Salvation Army youth accommodation
Additionally, many of these young people ensure that those young people who are services, youth worker staff take on parenting
come from a background that discourages at-risk of early school leaving have access > young
responsibilities for each school-aged
and devalues education and employment. to supports that will keep them connect to person. They attend information evenings
a learning environment. It is our experience and parent/teacher interviews, and maintain
Research has proven the critical importance that if a young person drops out of school regular contact with the schools.
of education in an individual’s development early they are put at increased risk of
and as a foundation for progress through life, homelessness. Consequently, young people

1
‘Education at a Glance’ (2007), Organisation for
Economic Cooperation and Development [OECD], p. 6
2
‘It’s Crunch Time – Raising Youth Engagement and
Attainment’ (August 2007), Dusseldorp Skills Forum
and Australian Industry Group, p. 11
 Alternative Education Models which impacted on her ability to learn them to find employment. Without access
The Police brought a 15-year-old boy to
Recognising the vital importance of and participate in the school classroom to education or training, homeless young
a Salvation Army Place of Safety (after-
education, most Salvation Army youth environment. She eventually completed her people cannot break out of their cycle
hours) program. He had been living in a
services provide school support programs senior studies through The Salvation Army of homelessness.
squat and trying to do his schoolwork by
or alternative education models specifically Alternate Delivery Education Program
candlelight. The candle caused a small fire
designed to support those young people who and undertook counselling and therapy The Salvation Army alternative education
and the boy was badly burnt on his hand.
have difficulty with mainstream education, to work through her anxiety and the models often provide vocational training in a
We were able to arrange for this young
either because of learning difficulties or associated behaviours. practical setting – such as the Certificate in
man to stay in the Place of Safety program
behavioural problems. Hospitality in an operating café. Vocational
and he was connected to our drop-in
Alternative schooling models provide training with its emphasis on hands-on,
centre and supported in achieving his
A significant number of young people intensive, personalised educational and practical learning is particularly suited to
educational goals. Following his study, this
have accessed Salvation Army alternative psychosocial intervention to students who many young people who have dropped out
young man undertook a vocational training
education programs due to bullying at school have been suspended from school or whose of mainstream education. The Salvation
program in carpentry and construction.
or because of cognitive or behavioural circumstances prevent them attending Army as a Registered Training Organisation
problems. For example, one young person school. Instead of young people roaming the (RTO), is able to ensure that these programs
His journey took him through some
was continually excluded and expelled from streets and getting into trouble or becoming provide a nationally recognised qualification.
turbulent times; he returned to sleeping
school due to her ‘disruptive behaviour’. nuisances, they are positively involved We are also able to support young people in
on the streets as he struggled with drug
Her behaviour became worse and included in education tailored to their needs. It is accessing external accredited courses and
and alcohol abuse. But his perseverance
self-harm and risky behaviours. As time critical that we provide alternative education work in partnership with other Registered
and strong desire to break this cycle of
went by, she was excluded from more opportunities to enable these young people Training Organisations to access the best
homelessness, together with the support
and more schools. This young girl had a to obtain basic schooling and achieve a level options that will create an effective pathway
of dedicated youth workers, enabled
learning disability and suffered from anxiety of literacy and numeracy that will enable for each individual young person.
him to succeed. He has now obtained
a traineeship and moved into stable
accommodation. He has also reconnected
with his family and started to rebuild these
relationships and is now realising his
hopes and dreams.
 FINDING
MY PLACE 49

Programs for ‘At-Risk’ Students Commonwealth and State Funded Year 10 and Higher School Certificates and
One young man who came into a Salvation
The Salvation Army also runs a number Education Programs access external accredited courses.
Army alternative schooling program had
of ‘student-at-risk’ programs that work The Salvation Army also runs educational
disengaged from mainstream education
with young people at risk of dropping out programs funded under the Commonwealth In addition, The Salvation Army provides
due to his personal battle with mental
of school. These programs work closely Government Connections funding program. alternative schooling programs funded
health issues. We were able to help him
with local high schools. Schools are in an ‘Connections provides an education and through State initiatives, such as the Links to
to gain access to mental health services
excellent position to identify young people personal development program for young Learning program in NSW.
and he commenced in the education
who may be experiencing problems at home. people, aged 13 to 19 years, who have been
program while continuing with mental
Salvation Army youth services are able to disconnected from mainstream schooling for Through individualised approaches to learning
health counselling. During this time, the
provide support to the young people and more than three months.’3 we discover high intelligence in areas not
young man became a victim of a violent
their families, working in the home and school recognised in mainstream schooling in
crime and had to attend subsequent
context. We would encourage all secondary These programs are often run in partnership many of our young students. Particularly, we
legal appointments and court hearings.
schools to develop partnerships with youth with TAFE and other Registered Training recognise high levels of artistic creativity, in
He attended these with the support of
service providers so that young people at Organisations, and provide foundational areas of music, art and poetry.
his youth worker and, while his legal
risk can be identified early and the necessary education in a practical setting. For example,
incident made his journey more difficult,
support provided. This may require increased this may include providing the Certificate II Low levels of literacy and numeracy
the support of the staff and the flexibility
flexibility within school programs and changes in Hospitality through a Training Café, or a combine to create additional challenges for
of the program enabled him to continue
to some current policies. Retail Training Certificate through participating disadvantaged young people wishing to
on and achieve his dream of completing
in a functioning retail social enterprise. further their education. This highlights the
Grade 10. The determination of this young
‘Connections’ also supports young people need for flexible, supportive programs that
man was reflected in his rising grades,
to undertake literacy and numeracy courses, are able to focus attention on where young
and his final piece of assessment obtained
general education certificates including the people are at. These specific educational >
an A+ grading. He has now gone on to
commence a TAFE course.

3
‘Connections Program Guidelines’ (2007-2009),
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace
Relations, p. 4
 programs need to be supported by a helpful combination of safe housing, life skills to socialise, interact with others, and to find
The Salvation Army Westcare Ed and
generalist youth services response that offers and educational supports. The Salvation meaningful sustainable employment.
why I like it
case management, recreational and cultural Army endeavours to embrace this philosophy
engagement, and personal development. in linking educational programs to our Schools need to be vigilant in identifying
From prep school, I’ve been getting
The Salvation Army alternative education accommodation support, wherever possible. young people who may be ‘at-risk’ of non-
expelled because of my bad anger. In
programs encourage social and moral Our experience demonstrates that personal completion and then partner with appropriate
prep I was on the school roof; the fire
development. In the group settings and safe skills development programs linked to social, youth support agencies to provide assistance
people had to chase me around the roof
to get me down or I’d jump off. By grade environments provided, young people can education, employment and community to the young person and their family.
two I was getting into punch ons with begin to explore the significant issues of engagement, are more effective if they are Where young people have been excluded
the year six’s. In total I’ve been expelled life and develop an understanding of their delivered as part of an integrated and holistic from school, or for those who cannot
seven times. From the first time I had responsibilities as citizens. response, rather than operating as stand cope with mainstream school, we need
the interview I fell in love (P.S. don’t tell alone, siloed services. to ensure they have access to alternative
anyone). There were kids I could relate to. Foyer Model educational opportunities.
They have the same lifestyle that I had. The European Foyer Model was designed Concluding Statement
My favourite part of the school is the art to provide hostel accommodation for Education is critically important in the Finding my place in education means:
program; from the first art painting I did, young people that is linked to a range of development of young people. Poor school • Being in a school that suits me.
everyone said I had talent. I said ‘you guys specific supports including education and attendance and lack of support will result in
are lying to make me feel good’, but at the employment related services. Foyers are young people falling through the cracks and • Getting extra help when I am struggling
art show I was amazed! I had three people seen as providing a ‘bridge to independent leaving school with low levels of literacy and academically or in times of personal crisis.
after one painting and complements from living for vulnerable homeless young people numeracy and basic school achievements.
all arty-farty people; it was like heaven. who might fail to reconnect to learning and This will have a deleterious impact on their • Having teachers who believe in me.
From a kid who did drugs and now this! I to work.’4 The Foyer philosophy proposes a ability to progress in life, including their ability
am so thankful for all the people in my life,
from my unit, Rose, Maggie, Danny, Vinnie,
Tash and at school to Deb, Greg, Marissa,
Rhonda and don’t forget hippy lady!
4
‘Investing in the Future of Young People Through
Kristen (2007) Foyers’ (June 1999), The Foyer Federation
 FINDING
MY PLACE 51

• Developing social skills. with schools to keep young people

connected to mainstream schooling. This article featured in the St James ‘Sometimes it is challenging, but I enjoy
College 2007 magazine (from a student the challenge, it pushes me to achieve
• Being encouraged to do my homework.
•D
 evelop ‘time out’ programs for young of a Salvation Army Alternate Education and believe that little bit more. Education
people who have been or are ‘at-risk’ of Program in Queensland who graduated is my freedom, freedom from my past and
•H
 aving someone who acknowledges my from Year 12 last year). wrongs. I now have opportunities I never
school suspension, that can reconnect
achievements. them back into mainstream school. thought existed for me or that I could
‘The difference between the school I am achieve. I live in hope now instead of fear
•D
 oing subjects at school that give me life •D
 evelop innovative housing options at now compared to that of my old school and anger. I hated school, because the
skills and skills for work. for young people who are completing is that they expect things from me. The school hated me. Here, I am respected,
education and/or vocational training, e.g. previous school I attended seemed to have cared about and spoken to as if I matter
the ‘Foyer’ type model. no expectations and therefore I followed suit and I have something to contribute. I am
What needs to happen: and had no expectations of myself! Here I now free to be me and all that I can be.’
•E
 xpand the Commonwealth •D
 evelop after-school homework centres
am expected to attend, I am expected to
Connections program as well as State- to provide support and access to
funded education initiatives. computers/Internet. do the work to the best of my ability, I am
expected to be respectful to myself first
•D
 evelop more comprehensive partnerships •D
 evelop alternative schooling options, and to others, I am expected to seek out
between schools and youth services where the curriculum focus is on creative information, I am expected to submit work
to provide a range of early intervention courses, e.g. literacy/numeracy through on time, I am expected to make choices
services to students at risk. music, art, graphic design, and hands-on in my education and personal life that will
technical skills. benefit me to be all that I can be, therefore I
•D
 evelop more ‘student-at-risk’ programs expect this of myself now.
and ‘suspension’ programs in partnership
>
 FINDING
MY PLACE 53

I WANT A JOB

The National Youth Commission Inquiry Placing a young person in work before they homeless and at-risk young people. Young
‘I got a job about six weeks ago. I was
makes the point that ‘even in the current are job-ready, or placing them into work for people lack faith in the system and generalist
applying for about six months. It’s fun.
economic climate where job opportunities which they are unsuitable, will jeopardise job recruitment agencies have not been able
Like you’re never bored. You’re always
exist in many places, homeless young people the sustainability of the job outcome. to develop trusting and nurturing relationships
doing something and it’s good pay too,
face many barriers to gaining employment. Constant rejection and job dismissal will with homeless and at-risk young people.
it’s not that bad. I thought I’d never work,
This is related to a lack of education and further exacerbate feelings of hopelessness
eh. But it feels good when you get paid
training, the need to deal with other priorities, and worthlessness and can cause young JPET Program
because I didn’t steal it, and I didn’t get
difficulties in preparing applications and people to become resigned to a state of Most of The Salvation Army services have
it off Centrelink. So it’s mad, it feels mad
receiving communication, lack of transport, permanent unemployment. had a more positive experience with the
when you spend the money. You know
limited understanding of the labour market Job Placement, Employment and Training
what I mean.’
and discrimination.’ One 17-year-old young women who came program (JPET) and would argue that
to The Salvation Army for support, told us because this is a specialist youth program
Owen
It is The Salvation Army’s experience that she was actively using drugs when she often linked to homeless services, the staff
young homeless people face many barriers to obtained a job. Because of her drug-taking are better equipped to deal with the special
finding employment including low educational she developed a poor performance record needs of homeless young people. The
attainment, poor literacy and numeracy, no and was dismissed and charged with theft. services tend to be more youth friendly and
transport, limited interpersonal and vocational This experience may affect her employment have greater capacity to work with the young
skills, lack of confidence and low self- opportunities for the rest of her life. While people to help them achieve their goals and
esteem. Many young people have never had this young woman has to live with the aspirations.
appropriate role models within their family consequences of her choices, a preferred
or networks, who can encourage them in
approach would have been to support her Despite this positive work with young people,
developing career aspirations; and they often
in the transition to employment, rather than each of our services has expressed a note of
have no idea about workplace behaviours
pushing her into a job before she was fully caution in respect to the changing orientation
or protocols. As a result, even if they do find
job-ready. of JPET. Its focus has been altered and the
a job, these young people frequently self-
sabotage by turning up late for work or not program now gives primacy to employment
displaying appropriate work behaviours. They Many of The Salvation Army youth support outcomes at the expense sometimes of
end up unemployed after a very short time. services are of the view that current addressing entrenched and endemic problems
employment services have failed to engage that young people must be able to overcome. >
 The JPET program was established to and behaviours that will help them succeed skills. At the same time they receive intensive
Two young women who were receiving
address those barriers that prevent young in the work place. Given the importance support to deal with life issues. Many of these
training in a Salvation Army Hospital-
people from entering employment, or of trusting relationships in helping people programs are provided within the context of a
ity Program, decided to go to the local
maintaining study. Services would help develop self-confidence and address issues, social enterprise such as a community café,
shopping centre in their lunchtime. As they
young people to focus on their life issues a more appropriate model of providing retail business or furniture-manufacturing
were leaving the centre, one of the youth
and address some of the social barriers employment preparation support to homeless factory, where young people can achieve a
workers noticed they were still wearing
to employment. Because of the change in young people would be to integrate this with Nationally Accredited Qualification and also
their hospitality aprons and the worker
focus of the JPET program, Salvation Army the other supports being provided. Most obtain a reference for the on-the-job work
suggested they leave them behind. The
youth services advise that homeless young homeless services are already assisting experience completed.
young women responded by saying,
people who are in a state of crisis do not their clients to develop interpersonal skills,
‘We want to wear them because then
access JPET services. Another issue for independent living skills and emotional Supported Employment Options
people will think we are on a break from
JPET providers is that the minimalist program resilience. Given the link between these Young people benefit from a range of flexible
a real job.’
funding limits the depth of interventions issues and maintaining a job, it makes sense pathways into employment experience,
and restricts the ability to provide the type to provide an integrated service that is combined with an education/training focus
of holistic supports needed to achieve coordinated by the primary case worker. and long-term supports. Many existing
sustainable outcomes for young people. intervention models take an overly simplistic
Developing Vocational Skills view of the tasks and timeframe required to
Integrated Case Management Salvation Army youth services provide a address the barriers that prevent homeless
Service Model range of accredited educational programs young people from entering and remaining
Most of the young people in our homeless that operate in a supportive environment in the workforce. Supported employment
services enjoy being active and would really where the participants learn practical programs that give young people a taste of
like to have a job. But they need considerable vocational skills, how to work in teams, the real working environment and conditions,
support in developing the interpersonal skills workplace behaviours and communication as well as providing significant non-vocational
 FINDING
MY PLACE 55

assistance, are very effective in helping Transport Barriers young people are less able to access
The Salvation Army, Cummins (a multi-
homeless or at-risk young people make a Another barrier to homeless young people employment and training programs. The
national diesel engine company) and
successful transition into the workforce. finding employment is their difficulty in current Centrelink Activity Test and Mutual
a Secondary School in Victoria have
Supported employment can be provided obtaining a driver’s licence. They cannot Obligation requirements, combined with
developed a partnership program aimed
either through community employment afford to take driving lessons and often do a lack of empathy for the complex issues
at supporting students, at-risk of dropping
enterprises or with companies where the not have access to a responsible adult who confronting young people, often means that
out of school. The students will each enrol
employer has an understanding of the issues is prepared to support them. As a result, in young people are penalised for not attending
in a Certificate 2 in Diesel Mechanics and
confronting young people. some of our services we have developed a interviews or undertaking activities prescribed
complete work experience at the Cummins
Learner Driver’s program that assists young by the job network provider. This penalty
Plant and will receive practical support
The Salvation Army has developed a number people to get their Learner’s Licence. The creates additional financial pressures for
such as transport, advice and counselling
of community employment enterprises that experience of obtaining and holding a driver’s young people who often become disillusioned
from Salvation Army youth workers. One
provide employment for homeless and at-risk licence is also an important ‘rite of passage’ with the system, disengage from all support
of the specific tasks the students will have
young people. We also partner with specific that helps connect young people into the services, and find another way of obtaining
during there training and work experience,
employers to develop employment options adult community. income. This may involve illegal activities,
will be building three high-powered go-
for homeless young people that involve pre- or work that places them into more
karts and the year will culminate with the
employment training combined with an ‘on- Income Support Issues risky situations.
go-karts being involved in a “race day”.
the-job’ experience. This is heavily supported Inadequate income means that young
Students that complete this VCAL / Cert
by a workplace mentor who can address people living independently lack the funds Concluding Statement
2 course will be attractive prospects to
any issues that arise during transition into to access public transport, feed themselves Finding ongoing sustainable employment
employers looking for apprentices in 2009.
the workplace. while undertaking training courses, and is important to most people for a range of
to dress appropriately for job interviews. reasons. Work provides financial security
Social disadvantage combined with leading to economic independence; work
economic deprivation means homeless gives a sense of purpose and meaning in our >
lives; and work creates a support If this is not done, we risk these young •F
 und programs that encourage • Provide employment services for young
network that enhances our social and people becoming permanently excluded partnerships between youth services and homeless people through an integrated
emotional wellbeing. from the workforce. The social and employers – specifically, to link ‘pre- case management approach, delivered
economic costs of this will be damaging to employment training’, ‘subsidised work in conjunction with youth homelessness
Gaining an early entry into the labour market the whole community. experience’ and ‘work-based service providers.
is critically important for young people. mentoring support’.
Research shows that the longer people are Finding my place in the workplace • Refocus JPET on holistic support
disconnected from the labour market the means: •E
 stablish funding for pre-employment and acknowledge social as well as
more difficult it is to re-engage. •K nowing what is expected of me at work. training and post-employment mentoring. economic outcomes.

Prolonged unemployment can have a •H

 aving the confidence and skills to do the job. •E
 stablish a Homeless Young Person’s • Review the Centrelink Activity Test and
devastating impact on an individual’s Employment and Training Support Mutual Obligations requirements as they
confidence, self-esteem and motivation. •H
 aving accessible and affordable transport Allowance that will cover the costs of apply to homeless and at-risk young
Because homeless young people deal with to get to work. transport, training and work-related books people, and review the current compliance
a complex array of personal and structural and equipment. policy regulations and their application.
barriers, they need additional support in What needs to happen:
accessing jobs. This must be provided •D
 evelop programs that support young •A
 cknowledge employers who create • Fund programs that help homeless young
in the context of trusting and supportive people in developing their confidence and placement opportunities for homeless people obtain a driver’s licence.
relationships, and as part of a continuum of interpersonal skills. young people, either financially through
support that helps young people address all wage subsidies or through a specific public • Fund community employment enterprises
of their presenting issues in a cohesive and relations campaign. that can provide genuine work experience
coherent way. in a supported environment.
FINDING
MY PLACE 57
 FINDING
MY PLACE 59

I WANT MORE FOR MY CHILD

The Salvation Army has significant disconnection from other family members negative experiences and the feeling that the
‘I have a purpose now … To care for
experience in working with homeless young create significant challenges for young parents. staff do not seem to have empathy for them.
somebody and to make sure that they’re
pregnant woman and young parents. For Without the inter-generational and extended
okay and that they come into the world the
many of these young women, the experience family supports available to the rest of the Domestic Violence
right way and that they’re safe. I have to
of becoming a mother can have a positive community, young people are left to shoulder Young mums who have experienced
look after me to look after them. If I’m not
impact on their self-esteem. Being loved the burden of caring for their child alone, with homelessness are particularly vulnerable to
here then who’s there to care for them.’
and having someone to love affirms them few options for childcare if their intention is becoming victims of domestic violence. Our
as an individual and gives them a sense of to return to work or study, even on a experience tells us that these young women
Danielle
purpose and meaning in their lives. Young part-time basis. are in danger of being trapped in this situation
parents, who experienced neglect and abuse or returning to it if there is no housing or
during their own childhood, often express a Stigma of Being a Young Parent support available to them. It is particularly
strong desire to raise their child in a positive, Society generally seems to take a dim view hard to break free from the domestic violence
happy environment and to give them a good of very young parents, tending to judge them cycle when the father of the child is the
upbringing. The birth of a child provides an and see them in stereotypes. Young parents perpetrator of the abuse. This group of
opportunity for refocusing and reprioritising of who use Salvation Army youth services young women need housing that is safe from
life issues, and ideally becomes an important often don’t feel comfortable attending ongoing intimidation and abuse, and intensive
development stage for the new parent. some of the facilities other parents attend. support to break the cycle.
Some young mums find local mothers’
Many of the young people we work with groups quite intimidating. Many do not feel Supported accommodation options are
lack positive parenting role models and comfortable attending child health centres also essential for young parents who
urgently need to learn parenting skills. In and some younger parents have refrained need to address drug and alcohol issues
addition, high levels of sole parenting and from accessing general health services due to as well as parenting issues. One of The >
 Salvation Army youth services in Sydney Pre-Natal Care of her pregnancy, and the midwife actually
Simone was pregnant and living with her
has developed a partnership with the local Salvation Army youth services suggest that delivers the child at the hospital. Following
boyfriend, at his mate’s unit. They were
Community Housing Association to support a good model of providing pre-natal care to discharge from the hospital, the midwife
all using amphetamines. Simone went to
young parents with drug and alcohol issues. young pregnant women is through midwives provides post-natal care through home visits
hospital and gave birth to twins. When it
The local Community Housing provider outreach programs being located within and the woman attending the clinics at the
was time to go home, her boyfriend told
organises housing arrangements for young community service centres. One particularly centre. The continuity in care, familiarity of
Simone she was not allowed to bring the
parents and this ensures they have stable successful program is operating in a socially the centre, and ability to interlink with other
babies back to the unit, because his mate
accommodation. The Salvation Army youth and economically deprived community in services we have on site such as welfare,
didn’t want them there. She had nowhere
services provide the ongoing intensive Western Sydney, through a partnership childcare, etc, has seen this program be
to go so she went back to her mother’s
support to help these young people address between The Salvation Army youth and highly effective in engaging and assisting
place. The family home, however, proved
drug and alcohol issues and develop their children’s centre and the Midwifery Unit at the young mums.
to be unsafe; Simone’s brother is violent
parenting skills. This effective partnership local hospital. Because The Salvation Army
towards all family members. Simone was
provides a holistic and integrated approach is a comfortable and familiar place for many Play Groups
only allowed to stay at her mum’s for a
to meeting both the housing and the people living in this community, the young Developing positive parenting skills can also
week. She then went to the Department
support needs of young parents. It is an women feel it is less confronting to receive be achieved through supported play groups.
of Housing, looking for a safe housing
excellent example of an approach that helps health care at the centre. A midwife does an These programs intentionally target at-risk
option but was told there was nothing
young homeless parents move towards intake with a woman and provides pre-natal families and provide intensive support to
available. She also tried to obtain private
independence, and be good parents. care and tests through the centre and local the parents and children. They create an
rental accommodation through a local real
imaging rooms. The woman remains under opportunity for young mums to develop a
estate agent, but was knocked back. After
the care of this one midwife for the duration support network. One of the aims of the play
two weeks Simone had nowhere to go, so
the Department of Community Services
placed the twins in care. Simone is now
back with her boyfriend, staying at another
one of his friends’ places.
 FINDING
MY PLACE 61

groups is to help young mums understand child protection services and this often discriminatory practices and prejudice.
For the past three years around 40
the value of interactive play and the makes them reluctant to seek support. Often Young mums in particular feel they are being
homeless teenagers with babies have
importance of reading stories to their children. government agencies are seen as punitive judged and they feel uncomfortable attending
been supported annually through the Ingle
Many young parents actually need to learn in their attitude towards young parents. We child health centres or play groups.
Farm Young Mum’s program. This program
how to play with their children and how to need to ensure that all agencies develop
provides care for young mothers who are
read to them. empathy with young parents and provide For some young parents the lack of positive
disadvantaged, homeless or at-risk in the
support and understanding to help them parenting role models in their own childhood
community. It offers crisis accommodation
Accommodation for Young Couples move beyond their limitations to develop a means it is essential that supports such
for girls under 18 years of age and their
Over the past few years we have seen an nurturing environment for their child. as parenting classes, health and wellbeing
children who are currently living in seriously
increased need for accommodation and workshops, and supported play groups are
unacceptable environments, and provides
support to young mums, young dads, and Concluding Statement available and delivered in a way and setting
education in areas like independent
to young couples with children. In some The experience of becoming a parent can be where they feel accepted and valued.
living, parenting skills and mothercraft.
areas there is absolutely no accommodation a challenging yet rewarding experience for
As there are no other facilities in South
for couples with children who want to stay young people. Many young women comment There is also a lack of affordable, supported
Australia that specifically provide crisis
together, as youth refuges only accommodate on how their self-esteem and sense of identity accommodation options for young couples
accommodation for young mothers
young people without children. improved when they became a mother. who want to raise their child together. >
with their babies, the Ingle Farm Young
However, besides the challenges of caring for
Mums’ program is often the first call for
Perceived Risks in Seeking Support a child 24 hours a day on limited income –
an emergency response to the most
Young homeless parents always face the often with little support from family or friends –
marginalised. It offers accommodation
real risk of intervention from government young parents often feel they are subjected to
until a supported accommodation
placement is arranged.
 in raising my child. play, and how to read to your child.
One young mum became homeless and
Finding my place as a young What needs to happen: • Provide training in household management,
her two young children have been placed
parent means: • Reduce the stigma of being a young parent, living skills, nutrition, budgeting, and low-
in temporary care. Her Centrelink payment
• Having positive role models. through community education campaigns. cost food preparation.
has been reduced to a single person’s
rate as she doesn’t have the care of her
• Access to appropriate health and • Ensure child health clinics have thorough • Provide play groups and young mum
children. But she cannot regain custody
pre-natal care. understanding of, and empathy with, the support groups.
until she has secured accommodation
issues of homeless young parents.
that is suitable to house the family. She
• Having a safe place to live.
cannot afford this type of housing on a
• Encourage partnerships between
single payment and feels she is in a no-win
• Being taught how to parent and care for community housing associations and youth
situation!
my baby. support agencies, by funding agencies
to develop outreach supports for young
• Being involved in friendly parent support parents living in community housing.
and play groups.
• Develop more supported housing options
• Being respected as a mum or dad who for young couples with children.
loves her/his baby and not being pigeon-
holed into a negative stereotype. • Develop training courses for young parents
that focus on caring for babies, nurturing
• Having access to practical support to help toddlers, the essential elements of positive
 FINDING
MY PLACE 65

PLEASE UNDERSTAND US!

The Salvation Army youth services have raises awareness and develops mutual When we understand something of their
‘There are certain things that are funda-
worked with homeless young people for many understanding and respect. Young people pain, and listen to their stories, we are better
mental to human fulfilment. The essence
years in all capital cities in Australia and several need to be shown that they matter, and that able to respond to these young people
of these needs is captured in the phrase
regional locations. We understand the special they are important and have just as much in a way that will positively engage and
‘to live, to love, to learn, to leave a legacy’.
needs of these young people; we have seen right to a home, a job, fun and laughter as encourage them.
The need to live is our physical need for
the pain, the trauma, the neglect and the everyone else.
such things as food, clothing, shelter,
abuse, and we see beyond the aggressive Homeless young people, like most members
economical wellbeing, health. The need
behaviour, the confronting language and the Concluding Statement of our community, are looking for a place to
to love is our social need to relate to other
anti-social activities. Hearing the stories and experiences of belong, a place where they feel safe, a place
people, to belong, to love and to be loved.
homeless young people is a vital step where they feel valued. They have much to
The need to learn is our mental need to
Underneath is a desperate cry for to assisting them re-engage with the contribute and we need to create opportunities
develop and to grow. And the need to
understanding and acceptance from community. Members of the community and spaces for them to explore their gifts and
leave a legacy is our spiritual need to have
young people who have often not known generally lack understanding and tolerance talents, to find their voice, and discover their
a sense of meaning, purpose, personal
unconditional acceptance or respect. We want of young people who are homeless. Their place in a society where they are respected
congruence, and contribution.’
to help the broader community see the hope response to this highly marginalised group and acknowledged.
we see in these young people and we want tends to be based only on the presenting
Stephen R. Covey
the community to help these young people behaviour they witness or hear about in Finding acceptance means:
overcome the stigma of homelessness and the media. It is a response that does not • Being respected.
social alienation. reflect an understanding of the pain-filled
journey which has led to this point. Most • Being included.
Attitudes need to change and this can of the young people we work with have
only happen through education that experienced severe trauma and neglect. • Having people believe in me. >
 She wanders around wondering where she that she can no longer hold the pain back
• Having people see me as a human being
will sleep next anymore
with hopes and dreams.
Or what she is going to eat today Soon a whole stream of tears
She hasn’t had a shower in days fall down her face
What needs to happen:
Everyone stares at her, she knows they’re She tries hard to wipe them away but
• Encourage people to suspend judgment
staring but she holds her head up high and it is no good
and promote understanding.
walks on She can’t control them
Slowly she falls to her knees
• Dispel the myths about young
She tries to look like she doesn’t care; but Begging for the pain to leave her
homeless people.
she does
Inside her she can feel the pain of all those Ainsley
• Develop community awareness programs
people laughing at her
to educate people on the issues confronting
And whispering under their breath
young homeless people.
They don’t care about how she feels or
what is going to happen to her
• Develop programs in secondary schools
to inform students about all aspects
Slowly the pain becomes bigger and bigger
of homelessness.
And soon a tear escapes from her eye

As she wipes the tear from her face she

realises
 FINDING
MY PLACE 69

ME
THE PEOPLE WHO’VE HELPED

The people who work in youth services are Salvation Army youth services understand their issues, produces an incredible boost
‘OASIS is a place to go where people
a very passionate and committed team of the need to create a sense of community and to their sense of self-worth. A strong bond
is sweet ... Oasis is where to go; Oasis is
workers, who dedicate their lives to bringing activities that will build the self-esteem and a is forged through working together to
a shelter’
meaning, stability and hope to young people, sense of belonging for young people. In many overcome adversity.
particularly those young people who have of our services, this is achieved by involving
Shelley
suffered abuse and trauma. young people in activities and outings they The Workers
would not otherwise have the chance to The nurturing environments that are created
This relationship is much stronger than that experience. Such activities have included in Salvation Army centres have a positive
of case worker and client. In many cases, snow skiing, horse riding, surfboard riding, impact not only on the young people but also
young people continue to have contact with canoeing, music camps and drama lessons. on the workers, and we are encouraged that
Salvation Army workers on a voluntary basis staff retention is very high among Salvation
well into their adult lives. They are often Some of our services are able to take Army youth services. Continuity of staffing is a
invited to help plan weddings, be present at groups of young people on special camps critical factor in providing ongoing, consistent
children’s births, help shift young people into or trips to places they would never have any care and support to young people.
new accommodation. They share Christmas expectation of being able to visit.
dinner with young people, celebrate birthdays However, we note the youth services
with them, and often are the only people Often a bond is formed between the youth workforce is growing older and we are
there to share important milestones. Salvation worker and young person that has a profound concerned that there are not enough young
Army staff also visit young people in prison impact on the young person. Just knowing people entering the youth sector and
or hospital, often being the only ‘family’ they someone cares about them, is interested in choosing this as a permanent career. Over
have to bring them the things they need, and their achievements, and is willing to put time the longer term this will create a workforce
sometimes the only people who visit. and energy into helping them to overcome crisis. Part of the reason for people not >
 choosing this career path, relates to the working environment, that staff feel they are
The Going Places Creating Memories ‘Being part of the “Going Places Creating
low pay rates and an under-resourced appreciated and their achievements
initiative provides young people in our Memories” program was a great privilege for
infrastructure to run the programs. are acknowledged.
care with the opportunity to experience me. The opportunities to share memories
and learn, through travelling to places (and Mozzies) with these young people
There is now a recognisable trend in youth People who work in health and human
they would not normally be able to visit. helped to remind me that life is a series of
work that shows experienced workers are services, and the youth sector in particular,
Hence the creation of memories that they memories, some good, some not so good.
leaving the sector in order to secure higher are generally motivated to undertake this
will carry with them throughout their lives, How lucky am I to have been part of such
paid work to support themselves and type of work because of a desire to make a
to shape and mould the people they will an exciting, memorable time!’
their families. difference. They understand the significant
become, with views they can share with
obstacles confronting young people and
other young people, their families and
Within Salvation Army services we endeavour they want to be part of the solution. They are
the broader community. Memories that
to create positive workforce development making a significant contribution to the health
are their own personal property that no
initiatives, specifically focusing on professional of the community through the work they do,
one can take away from them. Recently
development, creating a ‘happy’ environment, yet society doesn’t value this work sufficiently
we took a group of young people from
providing staff with support and professional to provide remuneration equivalent to those
Melbourne and travelled through Litchfield
debriefing, creating workforce diversity and in other sectors. Members of the community
National Park, Kakadu and Arnhem Land
remunerating people to the level we can need to do more to demonstrate that they
in four groups of up to 20 people. Bernie
accommodate within our limited resources. respect and value the contribution of youth
Geary, the Child Safety Commissioner,
workers. >
accompanied us on this particular trip and
Every person needs to feel valued and
this is what he said:
respected and it is critical in this difficult
 FINDING
MY PLACE 71

Tegan’s Philippines Trip ‘The government appears to value roads and this really affected me – to see someone ‘Before the trip, I had my own demons to
more than helping the homeless and so young living in the conditions they were. face as I was a drug user and was heading
‘On 9 July 2007, 11 young people and people in need. into a very nasty place in life. I had to fulfil my
myself went to the Philippines with some ‘The last place we went to was Tondo, one own goals of going to detox and counselling
of the Oasis staff for 11 very hot days. ‘At the orphanage, we painted rooms, made of the poorest places in Manila. It’s that to even be able to attend the trip. Since
We went over there to see how people tables, gave the children computers, other bad with crime and violence that the police making this decision, I have had some
survive in a Third World country and to educational stuff, and hung out with the kids, won’t work after 11.30 at night. Tondo was amazing experiences and hope that I can
help in three orphanages. which I loved the most. The kids were so my favourite. The kids have very little, but use all of them to move forward with my
welcoming of us and so grateful for the time they still had these amazing big smiles on own life.’
‘When we got to the hotel and stepped we spent and the gifts we left them. there faces. I taught some of the locals to
off the bus, the smell was horrendous and say “Aussie Aussie Aussie, oi oi oi” when we Tegan (2007)
you could smell the poverty in the air. It ‘While we were at Joyville Children’s Home, scored in a basketball game against a group
was the first time I had seen poverty like on both nights we went to Tenay, the town of local boys in the street.
this. It really broke my heart but angered that Joyville was in. We went to this big rice
me at the same time. We saw little kids field where people lived in among the rice ‘I learnt so much from this trip about how
begging for food and money, really old and, no lie, at least 30 young and old people important it is to value what we have here
people sleeping on the ground, urinating came out to see us. I was coping OK until I in Australia and the opportunities we are
and living in the same space. saw a little girl (she was about four years old, given. The people I met live in such poverty
which is the same age as my goddaughter) but were the most beautiful and welcoming
people I have ever met.
Letter from a Department of To Whom It May Concern: my groceries I actually cried. I had never felt I wasn’t too poor to put my change into the
Community Development Case Officer like I could give back and actually help out tin and it was empowering to know that the
When I first went to The Salvation Army my household like this before. I had felt so people at Oasis understood that I could still
‘I want to extend to you and all your Oasis Youth Centre Food for Thought food dependent on others for so long and having ‘give back’ without receiving.
staff my thanks for being so personally shop I was apprehensive because I had been unwilling to accept outside help or
committed, as well as totally professional, never accepted ‘charity’ before. I am a anything else for free, I felt a sense of dignity It was not a hand-out at all. It was an
in your dealings with ... (name given). I young woman who has a desperate mood that I had paid for this food, brought it home inspiring exchange, not just a gift. I was
know he can be frustrating to work with disorder. I was looking for work at the time and could share this gift with those who flooded with gratefulness to these people,
but your understanding of his needs and and had a small income from Centrelink. sacrificed so much to support me. It was that they cared enough to create a way
your tolerance of his idiosyncrasies have one area of my life where I was finally not to help people like me and my family
been critically important to his survival, I only agreed to accept help from the Oasis reliant or dependent, and it really boosted my that was dignified, practical and most of
both psychologically and socially ... I food shop because I could pay money for self-esteem. all empowering.
have nothing but praise for the work it; I knew my money was going to a good
you do, and for the way you do it. In my cause and I felt like I was not just accepting The staff at Oasis were warm and friendly, I am not religious but I said a prayer of
opinion, Oasis House is the best place for a hand-out. and there were all types of people there. I thanks for these people, because I believe
... to be – in terms of accommodation, didn’t feel conspicuous or strange – in fact, that their respectful and dignified kindness is
support, role-modelling, stability, safety I would limit myself to spending $40 that they were extremely welcoming and I felt like driven by love, and if that’s not God I don’t
and protection.’ day and was amazed at what I could buy. I being a part of their service, and accepting it. know what it is!
came home with the sort of groceries that
would have cost $150 or more had I bought There were donation tins on the table, and
them from a supermarket. As I unpacked I thought it was great that they were there.
 FINDING
MY PLACE 73

Concluding Statement generally paid less than other sectors in the •E

 nsure appropriate workforce planning • Provide funding for special recreational and
The Salvation Army is committed to economy and this needs to be redressed. that will attract, recruit and retain a suitable social activities, and holidays for young
journeying and staying with young people workforce. homeless people, to give them the same
for the long term. We recognise that some Finding my place in community means: opportunities to learn and develop as other
people may never have a family and for them •Y outh workers who care and are prepared •E
 nsure services for young people have young people.
we become a significant part of their life. This to go the extra mile. adequate funding, so that workers can
sustained involvement is critically important in be paid in accordance with community • Ensure workers are provided with the
the development of healthy self-esteem and •B
 eing in a family-style environment where I standards and expectations. professional development and support they
confidence for young people, enabling them feel welcomed and accepted. require to enable them to do their job well.
to achieve their created potential. •D
 evelop programs which demonstrate
•B
 eing with people who understand and that workers in human services areas are • Undertake research into the issues
We are enormously grateful to our workforce value me. valued, recognised and celebrated. impacting upon this very special workforce.
of committed staff and volunteers who
continue to serve the young people in our •H
 aving people who stick by me for the long •C
 elebrate achievements with a designated
care, demonstrating an outstanding level of term, who journey with me and help me Awards Day.
personal commitment. celebrate my milestones.
•D
 evelop an industry standard of staff/client
We are cognisant that they, too, have needs What needs to happen: ratio for the residential care sector, similar
and experience the financial pressures •C
 reate warm, friendly, ‘family-like’ to the standard that applies to the child day
of everyday living. Staff who work in the environments that support young people care industry.
human services, non-government sector are and give them a sense of security.
 FINDING
MY PLACE 75

FINDING MY PLACE

Finding My Place has attempted to These are stories of young people who have For some young people finding their place
Finding My Place is dedicated to Sarah
convey the journey experienced by many of experienced pain and distress in their lives, will mean finding a spiritual connection with
and the thousands of other young people
the young people The Salvation Army has who have struggled to feel accepted and who God that gives their life a new dimension of
like Sarah, who are desperate to find their
connected with. It the story of their pain, their have never felt they truly belong anywhere. meaning and purpose.
place and who deserve to find their place.
distress, their fear and their courage. These
I can see so much potential in Sarah, but
young people are crying out – we need to The sense we get from knowing some of Finally, ‘finding my place’ is about fully
there is so much turmoil and sadness too.
listen and ‘do something’. these young people is that they’re looking participating in all aspects of community life
She needs help to find her place but when
to find their place, not just a place to live, and being socially included.
she does she will be an amazing young
There is a sense of hopelessness in reading although that’s part of it. ‘Finding my place’
woman. We cannot afford to give up on
some of their stories, but these young people means finding a place that is a sanctuary, If we are serious about achieving the goal
young people like Sarah, just because
are not beyond hope. One of the dangers a home, a place where you can relax and of social inclusion for young people in our
it seems too hard and there are too
they face is that we as a society might be yourself; but this is much more than just society we need to urgently address all of the
many disappointments.
relegate them to permanent social exclusion, a physical location. It’s about these young issues contributing to youth homelessness.

that we might give up on them. We owe them people finding who they are, finding their These include poverty, lack of education,
Wilma Gallet (2008)
a chance, a chance to get an education, to place in the world, in community, in their own lack of opportunity, inability to access jobs,
get a job, to find a home, and a chance to family sometimes, in their own relationships. lack of affordable, appropriate housing, and
find their place in every way. Change is not inaccessibility of health and dental care for
going to happen overnight; it’s going to be a ‘Finding my place’ is about identity and young people. This will require an intentional
journey. We need to be committed to working belonging. ‘Finding my place’ is multi- focus and investment by governments,
through the issues and we need more than dimensional; it involves finding my place community and business.
limited interventions to rectify what is often a emotionally, physically, socially and in health
lifetime of neglect and trauma. and wellbeing.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves,
‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?’
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us. It is in everyone.
And as we let our light shine, we give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

– Nelson Mandela
 FINDING
MY PLACE 77

>
 APPENDIX 1
RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Support families to avoid poverty traps. 5. D

 evelop respite accommodation options 9. Keep young people connected, develop 14. Facilitate home visits by mental health
This should include access to stable, as a ‘time out’ where family breakdown is relationships with them, and help them to workers for young people discharged
secure income or financial and material imminent or has occurred – a way of de- access services quickly. from mental health units, to assess
support being available to help at times escalating problematic issues and enabling progress and ensure that young people
of crisis. family reconciliation. 10. D
 evelop programs to creatively engage are taking appropriate medication.
young people, even while involved in
2. Services such as Reconnect or other early 6. Provide needs-based support for all young street life, and offer opportunities to 15. Create a continuum of care
intervention initiatives need to be available people leaving care, making it available up participate in recreation, team sports, through linked ‘communities of service’
in every community and ideally linked to to the age of 24 years. social outings, drama, art, poetry, and that provide a range of services, e.g.
every SAAP service. This will require a so on. drug and alcohol rehabilitation, mental
significant expansion of the Reconnect 7. Provide support to families/individuals who health services, general health services,
Program to provide sufficient funds to are hosting young people through ‘couch- 11. E
 nsure that all essential services have dental health, after-care and other
employ workers and to access other surfing’ arrangements. This can take the some outreach and after-hours capacity therapeutic interventions.
specialist therapeutic interventions. form of respite care, material support, to reach young people in the streets
assistance with transport, as well as (e.g. Centrelink, health, legal, and youth 16. Ensure access to community-based
3. Expand programs that support families professional advice and counselling. support workers). detox and rehabilitation programs.
to develop parenting skills, and deal with Establish youth-friendly mental health and
conflict and challenging behaviours in a 8. Ensure a smooth transition for young 12. C
 reate affordable, accessible, youth- drug rehabilitation programs in regional
constructive manner. people leaving state care. The Transitional friendly clinics. and rural settings so that the young
Supported Accommodation for Youth person is able to heal in an environment
4. Increase funding for student-at-risk (TSAY) program is an effective way of 13. E
 nsure that joint protocols are developed that is familiar to them and not too far
programs to be run in partnership with identifying and supporting young people between mental health services and from their support networks.
high schools, focusing on identifying when they are in transition. community support services.
those young people who are at risk and
facilitating early intervention.
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17.Create after-care services for young to socialise, especially during difficult 26. E
 stablish protocols that ensure stronger 31. Address the housing affordability crisis,
people who have been through detox times. Recreation and social activities coordination and communication and improve waiting lists and access to
or rehab. play an important part in helping young between all elements of the Juvenile public housing.
people through periods of mental and Justice system.
18. Develop programs to educate young emotional crisis. 32. Ensure there are sufficient youth crisis
people on the dangers of binge drinking 27. D
 evelop a youth card that will provide and transitional housing options in cities
and alcohol abuse. 23. Establish visible and youth-friendly young people with access to concessions and major regional centres.
outreach services and facilities (e.g. on certain purchases, e.g. transport fares.
19. Facilitate access to medical services at Internet bus) that should provide basic 33. Establish postvention support programs
known, safe and comfortable locations, necessities such as food, blankets, 28. D
 evelop preventative programs for young to help young people sustain their
e.g. youth refuges, drop-in centres. clothing as well as access to counselling people who are ‘at-risk’ of offending. independent living arrangements.
and information services.
20. Develop programs that show young 29. D
 evelop more court diversion programs 34. Ensure young people in transition have
people how to maintain a healthy diet 24. Establish high profile drop-in centres as for young offenders to assist them access to an outreach worker who can
and provide hands-on training in how to safety zones for young people. to address their issues, including continue to provide case management
prepare healthy, simple meals. homelessness, and to reduce their support.
25. Establish outreach programs in which chances of re-offending.
21. Implement drug and health education funds are provided for outreach 35. Establish a program to help develop the
programs, and encourage a young workers (including training for corporate 30. E
 stablish a Post-Release Program that skills and capacities of young people to
person to stay safe until they are ready to volunteers) who can develop relationships provides case management support and engage in shared housing.
address their particular issues. with young people, gain their trust, sufficient brokerage funds to support
become their mentors and help to instil a young people exiting the Juvenile Justice 36. Support partnership arrangements
22. Focus on creative and fun activities that sense of hope. system and adult correction centres. between Community Housing
provide young people with an opportunity Associations and community-based youth
 support agencies, by funding workers 39. Expand the Commonwealth Connections 44. D
 evelop after-school homework centres 49. Establish a Homeless Young Person’s
to provide outreach support for young program as well as State-funded to provide support and access to Employment and Training Support
people living in community housing. education initiatives. computers/Internet. Allowance that will cover the costs of
transport, training and work-related
37. D
 evelop a variety of additional 40. Develop more comprehensive 45. D
 evelop alternative schooling options, books and equipment.
accommodation options. For example: partnerships between schools and youth where the curriculum focus is on creative
— Accommodation with services to provide a range of early courses, e.g. literacy/numeracy through 50. Acknowledge employers who create
intervention services to students ‘at-risk’. music, art, graphic design, and hands-on
accompanying supports for young placement opportunities for homeless
technical skills.
people leaving detention. young people, either financially through
41. Develop more ‘student-at-risk’ programs wage subsidies or through a specific
and ‘suspension’ programs in partnership 46. D
 evelop programs that support young
—A
 ccommodation with accompanying public relations campaign.
with schools to keep young people people in developing their confidence and
supports for young people in education,
connected to mainstream schooling. interpersonal skills.
vocational training and for those 51. Provide employment services for young
transitioning into the workforce homeless people through an integrated
42. Develop ‘time out’ programs for young 47. F
 und programs that encourage
(Foyer model). people, who have been or are ‘at-risk’ of case management approach, delivered
partnerships between youth services
school suspension, that can reconnect in conjunction with youth homelessness
and employers – specifically, to link ‘pre-
38. Provide practical financial support for them back into mainstream school. service providers.
employment training’, ‘subsidised
young homeless people (15-25 years) to
work experience’ and ‘work-based
assist them in obtaining the necessary 43. Develop innovative housing options 52. Refocus JPET on holistic support
mentoring support’.
items to establish a household. for young people who are completing and acknowledge social as well as
education and/or vocational training, e.g. economic outcomes.
48. E
 stablish funding for pre-employment
the ‘Foyer’ type model.
training and post-employment mentoring.
 FINDING
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53. Review the Centrelink Activity Test and youth support agencies, by funding 64. D
 ispel the myths about young 70. Develop programs which demonstrate
Mutual Obligations requirements as agencies to develop outreach homeless people. that workers in human services areas are
they apply to homeless and ‘at-risk’ supports for young parents living in valued, recognised and celebrated.
young people, and review the current community housing. 65. D
 evelop community awareness programs
compliance policy regulations and to educate people on the issues 71. Develop an industry standard of staff/
their application. 59. Develop more supported housing options confronting young homeless people. client ratio for the residential care sector,
for young couples with children. similar to the standard that applies to the
54. Fund programs that help homeless young 66. D
 evelop programs in secondary schools child day care industry.
people obtain a driver’s licence. 60. Develop training courses for young to inform students about all aspects
parents that focus on caring for babies, of homelessness. 72. Provide funding for special recreational
55. Fund community employment enterprises nurturing toddlers, the essential elements and social activities, and holidays for
that can provide genuine work experience of positive play, and how to read to 67. C
 reate warm, friendly, ‘family-like’ young homeless people, to give them the
in a supported environment. your child. environments that support young people same opportunities to learn and develop
and give them a sense of security. as other young people.
56. Reduce the stigma of being a young 61. Provide training in household
parent, through community education management, living skills, nutrition, 68. E
 nsure appropriate workforce planning 73. Ensure workers are provided with the
campaigns. budgeting, and low-cost food preparation. that will attract, recruit and retain a professional development and support
suitable workforce. they require to enable them to do their
57. Ensure child health clinics have thorough 62. Provide play groups and young mum job well.
understanding of, and empathy with, the support groups. 69. E
 nsure services for young people have
issues of homeless young parents. adequate funding, so that workers can 74. Undertake research into the issues
63. Encourage people to suspend judgment be paid in accordance with community impacting upon the non-government
58. Encourage partnerships between and promote understanding. standards and expectations. youth sector workforce (recruitment,
community housing associations and retention, training and development).
 APPENDIX 2
LVAT IO N AR M Y YO UT H SU PP ORT SERVICES
THE SA

CRISIS ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSITIONAL HOUSING PROGRAMS

Canberra ACT Darlinghurst NSW Ingle Farm SA
Crisis accommodation – youth refuge. Transitional accommodation – supported housing. Transitional accommodation – youth accommodation service.

Duffy ACT Inner-city Sydney NSW Landsdale WA

Transitional accommodation – supported housing. Accommodation outreach housing, partnering with Transitional accommodation – Crossroads West,
Community Housing Association. Landsdale House.
Red Hill ACT
Transitional accommodation – supported housing. Newcastle NSW Mirrabooka WA
Community housing – accommodation medium term. Transitional accommodation – Crossroads West,
Bundaberg Qld Oasis House.
Crisis accommodation – youth refuge. North Sydney NSW
Accommodation for young people with live-in mentors. Perth Metro WA
Bundaberg Qld Transitional accommodation – independent living.
Transitional accommodation – supported housing. Surry Hills NSW
Crisis accommodation – youth refuge. Kalgoorlie/Boulder WA
Bracken Ridge Qld Crisis accommodation service.
Supported accommodation and independent Plympton SA
living. Transitional accommodation – Muggies Southern Campus. Geelong Victoria
Transitional housing for young women.
East Brisbane Qld Pooraka SA
Supported accommodation and independent Transitional accommodation – Muggies. Sunshine Victoria
living. Transitional accommodation – Salvation Army Social
Housing Service.
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Sunshine Victoria North Fitzroy Victoria Leongatha Victoria

Youth Residential Services, Placement and Crisis youth housing. Adolescent Placement Program supports young people
Support Services. unable to remain in their own homes due to family breakdown
North Fitzroy Victoria or conflict.
Melbourne (western suburbs) Victoria Transitional Supported Accommodation for Youth (TSAY)
Transitional Supported Accommodation for Youth (TSAY). Supported youth housing.

Sunbury Victoria Croydon Victoria

Short-term accommodation for pregnant young women. Crisis accommodation for young people –Gateways.

Shepparton Victoria Melbourne (eastern suburbs) Victoria

Crisis accommodation. Residential Youth Services (RYS) – provides safe and secure
accommodation options for young people with protective
Shepparton Victoria involvement from the Department of Human Services.
Transitional accommodation.
Frankston Victoria
Shepparton Victoria Youth hostel – short-term accommodation.
Lead Tennant Housing Program.
Frankston Victoria
St Kilda Victoria Medium- to long-term unit that provides 24-hour
Youth crisis accommodation and refuge. supervised accommodation.
RECONNECT AND FAMILY MEDIATION PROGRAMS
Bundaberg Qld Surry Hills NSW Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Mornington Peninsula Victoria
Family support – youth support coordinator RECONNECT: This partnership with Victoria Family and Community RECONNECT: Works with families and young
works with families and young people. Mission Australia and Wesley Mission Enhancement Services (FACES) – operates people and offers flexible support as an
is an early intervention program for within an early intervention framework and early intervention and includes several group
Blacktown NSW young people at risk of homelessness, is aimed at preventing family breakdown. programs (e.g. father/son groups).
RECONNECT: Provides early and their families. Reconnect aims It works with families and young people
intervention programs aimed at to prevent youth homelessness by aged 12 to 18, whose circumstances are Shepparton Victoria
preventing youth homelessness. supporting families experiencing stress deteriorating and for whom the risk of harm Youthlinx (family liaison worker) – introduces
or crisis. will increase without additional support. psychological services into youth residential
Fairfield NSW care agencies; provides assistance for
RECONNECT: Provides early intervention Sutherland NSW Melbourne Victoria (western suburbs) homeless young people and those at-risk of
and support to young people and RECONNECT (mental health): This program RECONNECT: Counselling and support homelessness in order to facilitate
their families. works in partnership with Mission Australia, to both young people and their families; family reconciliation.
Wesley Mission and ARAFMI (Association parenting strategies to enhance and improve
Macquarie Fields NSW of Relatives & Friends of the Mentally Ill). relationships; educate both families and Sunshine Victoria
Family mediation and support in This program supports agencies working young people about adolescent development; Family mediation program.
crisis situations. with families and young people experiencing mediation between young people and
stress and problems through the presence of their families.
Newcastle NSW a mental illness.
Families support program.
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INTENSIVE CASE MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

Bundaberg Qld Wyong NSW Perth WA Frankston Victoria
Counselling and case management programs Social development program, small Transitional support service providing Adolescent support – case management.
to support disengaged young people aged group workshops that include anger support for young people in the transition
15-17 years. management, drug and alcohol programs. from supported care to inter-dependence. Frankston Victoria
Creating connections – case management to
Newcastle NSW Hobart Tasmania Brunswick Victoria help young people develop life skills and to
Life skills education, inner pyrotechnics: Child protection project. LifeWORKS: Engagement and case connect them to housing, education and training.
individual and group anger awareness and management.
communication program. Kalgoorlie/Boulder WA Frankston Victoria
Provides counseling and support for young Fitzroy/Collingwood Victoria Crisis Contact Centre – case management,
Surry Hills NSW people in transition. Creating connection – intensive case referral and crisis support.
HYPA Intensive Support Program – case management service; support and secondary
management to young people in all activities. Northbridge WA consultation for caseworkers engaged Kensington Victoria
After initial assessment, works with the young Therapeutic group living program, focusing with young people who are experiencing Community outreach services providing
person to develop a plan, linking them to on family reunification and developing homelessness and who have high and intensive and individual support to young
programs and services, providing advocacy independent living skills. complex needs. people living in transitional housing.
and support.
Northbridge WA Frankston Victoria Kensington Victoria
Wickham and Bolton Point NSW Independent living case management Peninsula Adolescent Support Program – Provides individual, intensive case
Support, advocacy and referral services for support. provides case management and support management support to young people who
disadvantaged and homeless young people to young people and their families who are are at high risk of homelessness.
aged 12 to 25 years and their families. Crisis subject to protective involvement with Victoria
support, welfare and information. Department of Human Services.
INTENSIVE CASE MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
Leongatha Victoria Shepparton Victoria Sunshine Victoria St Kilda Victoria
Case management and transitional support. Intensive therapeutic services. Intensive case management service. Intensive case management linking young
people to the private rental market.
Melbourne Victoria Shepparton Victoria Sunshine Victoria
Youth transitional support initiative. The Good Life Model (GLM) – focuses on Transitional supported accommodation for St Kilda/Southern Suburbs of Melbourne
the principle that to function in a healthy young people – provides outreach services Victoria
Melbourne East Victoria manner all people require ‘basic Human to support young people moving towards The Young Women’s Outreach Program is
Provides a multi-disciplinary intensive case Goods’ that include general health and independent living. a statewide housing and support service
management service, an Out of Home functioning, excellence in work or play offering accommodation and support for
Care residential program and specialist (including mastery experiences), spirituality Sunshine Victoria young women with or without children aged
assessment and consultancy programs. (general sense of meaning and purpose in The Lightpath Program provides flexible, 16-25 years wishing to reside in the inner and
life), excellence in agency (freedom and self- individualised respite service to meet the middle southern region of Melbourne. The
North-West Melbourne Region Victoria direction), inner calm (freedom from emotional needs of both the young people and care- program works with young women in need of
Crossroads Leaving Care – trauma), friendship (intimate, family, friends), givers. Respite can be used as a preventative housing information, referral assistance and
case management and support provided knowledge, community (sense of belonging), intervention to help maintain placements and related support. The program is dedicated
to young people aged 16-18 years who happiness, creativity. The GLM ensures provide a ‘break’ for young people. to offering a supportive, flexible and non-
leave statutory care with limited support and these basic human goods are built into the judgmental service to assist young women in
accommodation options. case management plan for every young St Kilda Victoria securing accommodation, making community
person referred. St Kilda Crisis Centre – crisis centre that links and building supportive networks.
provides referral and access to a range of
Shepparton Victoria support (e.g. housing, health, legal services). Whittlesea Victoria
Life skills program incorporating the Gerard Case management and transitional support
Egan model of intervention. for young people.
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LEGAL SERVICES
Surry Hills NSW: Youth Legal Services – legal assistance for young people. Jointly managed by Mission Australia and Freehills Solicitors
Melbourne Victoria: Advice provided by pro bono lawyers on a needs basis

SPECIALISED PROGRAMS FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS

Blacktown NSW Hobart Tasmania be also disengaged from school and family. North Coburg Victoria
Employment skilling program for Support and discussion groups, The program operates in partnership with Youth Justice program that assists young
juvenile offenders. one-on-one mentoring, and social and Tasmania Police, Youth Justice, local people involved with the Youth Justice system
recreational activities. colleges and high schools, and the to reconnect with educational, training and/or
Macquarie Fields NSW University of Tasmania. employment options.
Provides support to young people at Hobart Tasmania
police interviews, court cases, juvenile Changes Your Choice is offered to young Collingwood Victoria Ringwood Victoria
justice appointments. people involved in the Police formal Youth offenders/school leavers. Court support for young people.
cautioning process. The program offers
Wyong NSW Police and the young person an option to Dandenong Victoria Shepparton Victoria
Programs and individual support to young address the offending behaviour by looking The Positive Life Centre provides court Pathways – Juvenile Justice group
people aged 12 to 25 years. at the possible contributing factors behind support to young people and runs a number conferencing program.
the offending. of workshops dealing with positive life skills.
Burnie Tasmania
Young Women Offenders program focuses Launceston Tasmania Melbourne East Victoria
on developing cognitive skills & addressing Young Women Offenders program provides Juvenile Justice Pathways Program seeks to
issues like self-esteem and confidence support to young women aged 13 to 17 improve pathways to supported accommodation
building, communication skills, healthy years who have offended or are at-risk of for young people (17-24 years) who are on
lifestyle, skills development and employment, offending, displaying antisocial behaviour or parole from Juvenile Justice custodial settings.
and problem-solving. anger management issues, and who may
PARENTING PROGRAMS FOR PREGNANT YOUNG WOMEN AND YOUNG PARENTS
Macquarie Fields NSW Slacks Creek Qld Hobart Tasmania Geelong Victoria
Supports young pregnant women including Young Parents’ program – Core of Life is Positive Parenting program provides training Kardinia Women’s Services – Young Parents
pre-natal and post-natal care; provided an education program for teenagers and is and support to young parents, teaching Outreach program that provides a range of
in partnership with the Midwifery Unit delivered in local high schools to educate on them the importance of play and reading to services to young women aged 15 to 20, who
through Sydney South-West Area Health the ‘realities’ of parenthood. their children. Supported play groups are an are pregnant or parenting and require support
(Campbelltown Hospital). Weekly outreach integral part of the program. relating to parenting issues, homelessness
clinics provided in The Salvation Army centre. Ingle Farm SA or housing difficulties. The program takes a
This program provides care for young Ballarat Victoria holistic approach, focusing on the individual
Newcastle NSW mothers who are disadvantaged, homeless The Crompton Flats program is a supported needs to achieve the maximum possible
Parents’ Support workshops – regular or at-risk in the community and offers crisis accommodation program for young women degree of self-reliance and independence.
education program for parents and carers. A accommodation for girls under 18, and their under 25 who are pregnant or have children.
young mums’ support group also operates at children, who are currently living in seriously Support includes workshops in living skills, Northbridge WA
the centre. unacceptable environments. It also provides cooking skills, budgeting and financial Support to young mums, young dads, and
education in areas such as independent counselling. A health group speaks about to young couples with young children –
Westlakes NSW living, parenting skills and mothercraft. contraception, STDs and HIV. Supports also developing parenting skills, finding secure,
Provides support to young mums in the West including education in literacy and numeracy, a safe and suitable accommodation.
Lake Macquarie area. recreation program and young mums’ groups.

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

Slacks Creek Qld Development programs, include play groups a welcoming environment – at seven of access to an extensive reference library of
Early Childhood Development – Parenting and training workshops for parents. Salvation Army community centres across parenting and children’s books available for
Education and Training, Foundations for the state. Parents and children participate loan. In addition, free parenting packs are
Families, Birth to Three. Hobart Tasmania in facilitated play groups, kinder and music distributed that include two children’s reading
Positive Parenting program provides an gyms, parenting courses, cooking classes books, pencils, and various brochures on
Ingle Farm SA opportunity for parents to learn positive and sewing groups that are offered three parenting, nutrition, health and wellbeing.
Positive Parenting and Early Childhood parenting skills and healthy lifestyles in days each week. Participants also have
 FINDING
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EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Bolton Point NSW work in conjunction with Juvenile Justice, literacy through to HSC to disadvantaged Wyong NSW
Forward Focus – Links to Learning based at local Police, school psychologists and other young people. It includes pathway Suspension school: partners with the
Nourish Café Bolton Point. Offers education, relevant service providers to ensure a holistic to vocational and further educational Department of Education to provide alternate
accredited Hospitality Operations vocational and consistent response to the issues faced opportunities. The Education Centre is classroom for suspended young people.
training, life skills and employment skills to by young people. TAFE accredited, with strong support from
early school leavers. the Sydney Institute of TAFE and OTEN Bundaberg Qld
Newcastle NSW and several sites in the Distance Education. Get Set For Work is a school support
Inner Sydney NSW Hunter region program predominately for Year 9 students
FLOW (Flexible Learning at Oasis and Ways) Hunter Campus of The Salvation Army Western Sydney NSW at-risk. Partnering with local high schools, it
is a partnership with WAYS (Waverley Action Booth College offers education and Student at-risk programs that work closely supports students who have been identified
for Youth Services) that provides young accredited vocational training to primarily with local high schools to identify and provide by the schools as at-risk of disengaging.
people, disconnected from the learning young people aged 15 to 25 across support to young people at-risk of dropping Activities include personal development,
process, with access to an accredited a variety of other skill areas – retail, out of school. literacy and numeracy, workshop training, IT,
education program, designed to creatively re- information technology, furniture making. recreation and excursions.
engage them and maximise life choices. All vocational training programs are Wickham and Bolton Point NSW
offered at various sites in the Hunter, Jumpstart is an educational program Caboolture Qld
Macquarie Fields NSW complemented by personal support, life providing life and work-related skills – resume Alternate Education Classes for young people
The Holistic Intervention Program (HIP) skills education and individual one-on-one development, rights and responsibilities at from Year 10 to senior years.
is conducted in partnership with James literary/numeracy tuition. work, budgeting, legal issues, tenancy and
Meehan High School – program for students housing, etc. Fortitude Valley Qld
who have been suspended from school. Parramatta NSW Alternate Education Classes for young
The student attends the program located Links to Learning program: Take Five – Wyong NSW people provided in partnership with St James
at The Salvation Army centre for each day alternate education program. The Young Women’s Program – ‘She’ Catholic College which provides the teacher.
of their suspension. During the period of is a school-based program focused on
suspension the young person continues Surry Hills NSW developing self-esteem. The program Lawnton Qld
with their academic requirements under the The OASIS Education Centre provides currently operates in five local schools. Alternate Education Classes for young people
supervision of the HIP facilitators, who also accredited education from foundational from Year 10 to senior years.
Hobart Tasmania life skills and linking them to appropriate 15-19 years living in the local government who have exited the mainstream education
The Home and School Support (HASS) education and training options. areas of Yarra, Darebin, Moreland, Hume system.
program provides support and addresses the and Whittlesea who have significant barriers
needs of vulnerable children in the context of Brunswick Victoria to accessing education, training and/or Sunshine Victoria
their families who may be at-risk, by providing Youth Lifeworks Education program – provides employment. Individual support is provided Education program provided to young people
a service that is both preventative and broad-based supports for young people to assist young people to connect with who have been excluded from mainstream
solution focused. and offers a range of personal development, education, training and/or employment. school and alternative education systems,
training and educational opportunities vocational training and support services.
Box Hill Victoria designed to create pathways back into Reservoir Victoria The program operates in partnership with
WARPed education program – The Work education for young people who have become Shop 16 is an education and social program Kensington Community High School and
And Recreation Program with Education disengaged from mainstream systems. that provides a range of supports to at-risk offers the Victorian Certificate in Applied
(WARPed) provides vocational, educational young people and works closely with several Learning (VCAL) and the Certificate in General
and recreational activities for young people on Melbourne East Victoria local schools in the area. The program Education for Adults.
statutory and/or Juvenile Justice orders and Children In Residential Care Education involves homework support, social support,
who have been unsuccessful in their attempts Support program – Consultants provide recreation and sporting activities, and
to maintain a place in existing mainstream or educational support and assist in behaviour operates a full bio/psychosocial model.
alternate educational day programs. management strategies in school
environments to help children and young Shepparton Victoria
Box Hill Victoria people stay at school. Alternate Education program operates
The Leaving Care Education program aims in partnership between Notre Dame and
to achieve better outcomes for young people Melbourne Northern Suburbs Victoria Brayton and provides case management
leaving care by assisting them to develop Provides supports to young people aged and alternative education for young people
 FINDING
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JPET PROGRAMS
Surry Hills NSW Caboolture Qld Lawnton Qld
Job Placement Education and Training (JPET) Job Placement Education and Training (JPET) Job Placement Education and Training (JPET)
program. Funded by the Commonwealth program. Funded by the Commonwealth program. Funded by the Commonwealth
Department of Education, Employment and Department of Education, Employment and Department of Education, Employment and
Workplace Relations (DEEWR), provides a Workplace Relations (DEEWR), provides a Workplace Relations (DEEWR), provides a
range of creative education and training op- range of creative education and training op- range of creative education and training op-
tions to help young people develop vocational tions to help young people develop vocational tions to help young people develop vocational
skills, while providing intensive case manage- skills, while providing intensive case manage- skills, while providing intensive case manage-
ment support to address social barriers and ment support to address social barriers and ment support to address social barriers and
help to stabilise health and housing issues. help to stabilise health and housing issues. help to stabilise health and housing issues.

Brisbane North Qld Fortitude Valley Qld Mornington Peninsula Victoria

Job Placement Education and Training (JPET) Job Placement Education and Training (JPET) Job Placement Education and Training (JPET)
program. Funded by the Commonwealth program. Funded by the Commonwealth program. Funded by the Commonwealth De-
Department of Education, Employment and Department of Education, Employment and partment of Education, Employment and Work-
Workplace Relations (DEEWR), provides a Workplace Relations (DEEWR), provides a place Relations (DEEWR), provides a facility-
range of creative education and training op- range of creative education and training op- based outreach response to the employment,
tions to help young people develop vocational tions to help young people develop vocational education and training needs of homeless and
skills, while providing intensive case manage- skills, while providing intensive case manage- disadvantaged young people. We identify and
ment support to address social barriers and ment support to address social barriers and assist with the reduction of barriers to long-term
help to stabilise health and housing issues. help to stabilise health and housing issues. unemployment, low educational achievement,
social dislocation and family isolation.
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE PROGRAMS
Newcastle NSW Surry Hills NSW Surry Hills NSW Surry Hills NSW
The Olive Branch Café provides hospitality DOH handy person program. Reconstruct is work participation program, This Kingsford store aims to provide people
training for young people and operates as giving disadvantaged young people work and life with affordable clothing, and offers long-term
a vibrant café providing an extensive menu, Surry Hills NSW skills to help them rebuild their lives and obtain unemployed people experience in a retail
each weekday. Property Plus provides training and meaningful jobs and secure, stable housing. Led environment.
employment in cleaning and gardening by an experienced tradesperson, Reconstruct
Newcastle NSW for social housing tenants. Oasis provides offers hands-on exposure to basic training in Surry Hills NSW
This-Way-Up Furniture Company gardening and cleaning services to carpentry, bricklaying, concreting, plastering, Street Internet Café provides training
manufactures a range of home and office NSW Department of Housing properties painting and outdoor maintenance. Participants opportunities in hospitality for long-term
furniture and provides training in woodwork, in Redfern, Waterloo, Balmain and the complete small construction and repair jobs. unemployed people.
cabinet making and furniture manufacturing eastern suburbs. After successfully
for disadvantaged young people. tendering for this contract, Oasis offers Surry Hills NSW Mornington Victoria
jobs and training to young people who IT EBAY encompasses a range of creative Salvo Cyber Café provides youth training in IT
Newcastle NSW have never worked. An employment/ programs to provide training and work and catering, as well as a place for youth to
Nourish Café is a community café at training worker helps these new employees experience for unemployed young people. hang out and use the Internet.
Westlakes Centre, Bolton Point, offering a transition into the workforce and seeks to Opportunities are available in website design,
meeting place for the local community with create other job opportunities. video editing, radio production and computer
nutritious meals at low cost. refurbishment.
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VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMS

Broken Hill NSW St Mary’s NSW Wyong NSW access to the Victorian Certificate of
For students in Years 9 and 10, provided Café Horizons St Mary’s provides accredited Training/education offering Certificate 2 in Applied Learning (VCAL).
in partnership with Willyama High School. hospitality training in a working café. Retail Operations.
The students participate in a Work Skills Brunswick Victoria
Preparation program for young people Surry Hills NSW Bayswater Victoria Youthworx is a youth media training program.
transitioning from school to the workplace. OASIS Op-Shop gives training opportunities A vocational training program conducted in
in retail for long-term unemployed. partnership with Cummins and Bayswater Frankston Victoria
Cabramatta NSW High Schools. The young people enrol in Provides hospitality training through
Café Horizons Cabramatta provides Surry Hills NSW a Certificate 2 in Diesel Mechanics and Salvo Café.
accredited hospitality training in a Reconstruct provides training opportunities in complete work experience at the Cummins
working café. general construction, maintenance, painting Plant. One of the specific tasks the students
and decorating. will perform is building three high-powered
Newcastle NSW go-karts and the year will culminate with the
The Olive Branch Café offers young people Surry Hills NSW go-karts being involved in a ‘race day’.
who are disconnected from the community Street Radio Net provides training
an opportunity for practical experience opportunities at a working Internet Brunswick Victoria
and accredited training to develop the radio station. Accredited hospitality training in the Blue
necessary skills to gain employment. Bonnet Café which provides low-cost, healthy
Special program for young MERIT clients Surry Hills NSW meals for people on low incomes in the local
in support and vocational training. Dream Films provides training in all aspects of area as well as offering accredited theoretical
film-making. and hands-on training. The training program
is run in partnership with NMIT and provides
ALCOHOL AND DRUG REHABILITATION AND COUNSELLING PROGRAMS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Blacktown NSW Liverpool NSW Parramatta NSW Croydon Victoria
Youth Drug and Alcohol Court – case Youth Drug and Alcohol Court – case FYRST STOP is a Cannabis Treatment Centre Intensive Therapeutic service – alcohol
management service. management service. that operates in partnership with the Western and drug youth clinician provides AOD
Sydney Area Health Service. It provides assessment, brief intervention, secondary
Fairfield NSW Newcastle NSW treatment options for young cannabis users. consultation to support young people in
Follow-on Youth Recovery Support Team Drug and alcohol counselling – specialist state care.
(FYRST) is an after-care outreach support counselling. Surry Hills NSW
service for young people aged 16 to 25 Choices youth drug and alcohol program Preston Victoria
who are addressing their drug and alcohol Parramatta NSW provides specialist counselling in a number Bridgehaven residential rehabilitation program
issues and who live in or access services Follow-on Youth Recovery Support Team of areas including mental health, emotional for young women.
within the Liverpool and Fairfield local (FYRST) is an after-care outreach support needs, drug and alcohol problems, education
government areas. FYRST uses a holistic service for young people aged 16 to 25 assessment and employment support.
client-focused case management model, who are addressing their drug and alcohol Choices aims to address issues underlying
incorporating relapse prevention strategies issues and who live in or access services drug abuse among homeless youth.
to support young people with their within the Western Sydney Area Health It includes group and individual
ongoing recovery and to assist them to Service boundaries (the local government counselling, and combines a number of
establish a positive, healthy lifestyle within areas of Parramatta, Baulkham Hills, Auburn, therapeutic approaches.
the local community. Holroyd and Blacktown).
 FINDING
MY PLACE 95

STREET OUTREACH, DROP-IN CENTRES, CHAPLAINCY AND CHURCH COMMUNITIES

Kings Cross NSW Wyong NSW disadvantaged youth. It offers counselling advice on budgeting, meals and referral to
Street outreach and chaplaincy to the inner Street outreach involves an Internet bus and referral, life skills training, leisure activities supported accommodation.
city using the Street Net Outreach Bus. This visiting disadvantaged suburbs within Wyong (e.g. boxing, drumming, soccer and cricket),
is a vehicle fully fitted with computers with Shire. The bus provides a free printing clothes washing facilities, shower facilities, Melbourne and inner suburbs Victoria
radio Internet connection; staff support and service, BBQ, tea and coffee. and meals as needed. After-hours street outreach and chaplaincy
refreshments. using the AXA614 Youth Bus which is a fully
Wyong NSW Brunswick Victoria refurbished coach transformed into a mobile
Surry Hills NSW Drop-in centre where young people can access Drop-in centre and community church youth centre on wheels. It is equipped with
The StreetLevel Internet Café offers on-site, free and professional formal or informal where people can feel part of a belonging wireless Internet-connected pcs, x-boxs, a
disadvantaged people affordable meals, free counseling services, advocacy and referral to community, and where meals and social/ plasma TV, three surround sound systems,
Internet access and experience/training in a other specialist organisations. Provides a safe, recreational activities are provided. hang-out couches, chess tables, a mini-
café environment. StreetLevel is also home supervised environment for young people to kitchen and a private counselling room. The
to The Salvation Army’s church for homeless undertake group activities including sporting Melbourne CBD Victoria bus is a safe place for Melbourne’s homeless
and disadvantaged people, where they competitions, art and leisure activities. The Life Centre is a drop-in centre and and marginalised young people.
are invited to attend specifically designed community church that provides a range of
services that are accessible and relevant to Fortitude Valley Qld supports (spiritual, physical, emotional and Morley WA
their life situation. Drop-in centre providing assessment and social) including legal and health professionals, General youth support service, counselling,
case management support for homeless and a community grocery market, emergency relief, advice and referral.
RECREATION PROGRAMS
Fairfield NSW caving, climbing, abseiling, canoeing and Wyong NSW Melbourne CBD Victoria
VITEL and Freeways adventure therapy horse riding. Music Program Band Nights hosts Recreational and social activities
programs. professional supervised, all-ages, drug- and include a music program, sporting activities
Wyong NSW alcohol-free band nights. Approximately 300 and outings.
Newcastle NSW School holiday programs providing outings, to 500 young people attend these events,
Ignition – recreation activities. skate competitions, free BBQs, band and which attract state, interstate and national Sunshine Victoria
sporting competitions. acts. Oasis ensures local unsigned bands The Going Places, Creating Memories
Surry Hills NSW play as support acts. program provides young people with the
Freeway is an intensive, adventure-based Wyong NSW opportunity to experience and learn through
learning program that equips young people Music Program Coalface Recording and Brunswick Victoria travelling to places they would not normally
with life skills and motivation, builds self- Rehearsal Studio – Oasis supports young The recreation program provides options for be able to visit. The aim is the creation
esteem and provides insight into behaviours bands by providing a greatly needed positive social and recreational involvement of memories they will carry with them
that prevent young people achieving their rehearsal space. Oasis has a professional for people with limited opportunities including throughout their lives, shaping and moulding
goals. Courses take place outdoors where recording studio and partners with affordable team sporting activities. A recreation events the people they will become. In 2006 the
young people are challenged, physically and sound engineers to provide services to planner is produced monthly that details Going Places, Creating Memories trip was to
mentally, by a variety of action-orientated young bands. upcoming activities. Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory.
tasks. Activities provide fun, excitement and
adventure and include camping, canyoning,
For additional copies of this report phone
The Salvation Army Communications Team on
(02) 9264 1711 or go to www.salvationarmy.org.au