November 2004

Help for young people at risk

Two innovative Government programs will boost education and training opportunities for young homeless people, while providing assistance for them to rebuild contact with family and friends.

Minister for Housing Candy Broad joined Melbourne Citymission Chief Executive Officer Anne Turley at Hartnett House in Albion Street, Brunswick, to launch the Youth Employment, Education and Training Initiative and the Family Reconciliation and Mediation Program.

Both programs will be operated by Melbourne Citymission.

The Youth Employment, Education and Training Initiative will offer targeted assistance to young people across Victoria aged between 15 and 25.

Support agencies will be able to nominate ‘high-risk’ young people to an independent assessment panel for additional financial assistance.

The money can be used for a variety of purposes, ranging from paying course fees, to providing clothes for job interviews and obtaining their learner’s permit.

This practical assistance combined with housing support will help young people move towards independence.

The Family Reconciliation and Mediation Program will provide help to young people who have become homeless and lost contact with family and friends.

The program will include reconciliation and mediation sessions between young people and their families where appropriate, as well as additional training in mediation and reconciliation for support workers.

The Family Reconciliation and Mediation Program will also see mediation and reconciliation services made available to parts of country Victoria that have not previously had access to them.

‘We know when people, especially young people, become homeless they often lose contact with family and friends.

‘The Family Reconciliation and Mediation Program will offer young people the opportunity to re-establish family links, even if it’s just the chance to go shopping or to the football,’ Ms Broad said.