NCJ Number
210560
Journal
Youth Studies Australia Volume: 24 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2005 Pages: 32-38
Date Published
June 2005
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This paper argues the need for policies to build on existing “good practice” in regards to early intervention for youth homelessness and presents several policy proposals for the expansion of early intervention.
Abstract
In Australia, a major policy shift occurred in the mid-1990s towards early intervention in assisting homeless young people. The Prime Ministerial Taskforce on youth homelessness was established in 1996 focusing on early intervention, as well as overseeing a large pilot program. The Reconnect program provides support for homeless teenagers and young people “at risk” for homelessness. The Taskforce funded 26 pilot projects over 2 years. This paper presents and describes four policy proposals to build upon these initiatives: (1) expansion of the Reconnect program for full national coverage; (2) a pilot program to test the feasibility of an adolescent community placement program for homeless school students; (3) a program to fund the coordination of early intervention services in local communities by linking schools and local agencies; and (4) national benchmarks for the provision of student welfare in secondary schools. Tables, references