Expanded youth homelessness services for Western Sydney

Tanya Plibersek today announced that the Rudd Government will provide Anglicare with $1.2 million over the next 18 months for expanded homelessness services for young people in Western Sydney.

The new funding will allow Anglicare to expand its services to include early intervention for 12 to 18 year olds who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, and support for 12 to 21 year olds who have arrived in Australia in the previous five years.

Ms Plibersek said around 250 young people in the area are expected to benefit from the program each year.

“Around Australia the Government is investing $48 million in the Reconnect program to continue to support young people who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless.

“Reconnect helps young people stabilise their lives by encouraging them to re-engage with their family and the community, and gets them involved in education, training and employment.

“Reconnect programs also work closely with other services in the local community to help young people,” Ms Plibersek said.

Member for Parramatta Julie Owens said today’s announcement demonstrates the Rudd Government’s commitment to reducing youth homelessness in Western Sydney.

“I am delighted that the Government is funding Reconnect programs in Western Sydney to ensure that young people have the support they need to prevent them becoming homeless.

“The extra services mean that more young people at risk will be able to access the support services they need,” Ms Owens said.

Anglicare currently provides young people between 12 and 25 with crisis accommodation, counselling, family mediation, and help with employment, education, and income assistance.