The Albanese Government is investing $91.7 million into youth homelessness through the Reconnect program over the next three years.
Reconnect is a community-based early intervention and prevention program targeted towards young people who are experiencing or are at-risk of experiencing homelessness, and their families.
Through Reconnect, young people aged 12 to 18 years (or 12 to 21 years for newly arrived youth) can access counselling, group work, mediation and specialised mental health services, to improve relationships with their family, stay at school, and participate in their local community.
The Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness, Julie Collins, said the funding will deliver vital services across the country to support young people and their families in times of need.
“We know the breakdown of family relationships is a leading cause of youth homelessness,” Minister Collins said.
“Through the Reconnect program, we are able to address the risk factors to help prevent homelessness.”
“This funding will help combat youth homelessness, and our hope is through this funding thousands of young people and their families will continue to benefit from improved family ties, engagement in education and employment, and enhanced community connections.
“Having met with Reconnect service providers, such as Roseberry Community Services in Gladstone last year, I have seen first-hand the positive outcomes this program achieves.
“Within just two school terms, Roseberry was able to boost the attendance rates of Gladstone State High School students who were experiencing or were at-risk of experiencing homelessness.”
The Albanese Government will soon begin consultation on a new National Housing and Homelessness Plan to identify ways to address the challenges experienced by young people at risk of homelessness.
The Government will develop the Plan in collaboration with key stakeholders and will undertake broad consultation, including with organisations and members of the public.
Consultations for the Plan are due to commence shortly. Interested parties can sign-up for updates on consultation opportunities and the progress of the National Housing and Homelessness Plan.
More information regarding the Reconnect program is available on the Department of Social Services website.