$8.6m to prevent youth homelessness in Australia

More than $8.6 million in funding will be provided to 46 Reconnect services across Australia to provide continued support to young people and their families.

The Minister for Community Services, John Cobb, today announced continued funding for Reconnect services, which support young people, aged 12 to 18 years, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

‘The Reconnect programme provides early intervention support to young people through counselling, family mediation and practical support to improve their connection with families, communities, education and training providers and employers,’ Mr Cobb said.

‘For example, Reconnect South Brisbane will receive over $215 000 to continue its multicultural early interventions service. The service provides counselling, mediation and other brokered services to support families and young people in the South Brisbane area.

‘North East Support and Action for Youth Inc. Reconnect in Wangaratta, Victoria, will receive over $181 000 to continue its works in empowering young people and their families using an outreach service, group work and partnerships with other agencies.

‘The Reconnect programme has proven to be highly successful, with two-thirds of young people reporting an improved level of engagement with their family at the end of their support period.

‘This continued funding recognises the efforts and the effectiveness of Reconnect services in providing early intervention services for young people and their families across Australia.

‘The funding further demonstrates the Australian Government’s determination to support young people in remaining connected to their families and communities,’ Mr Cobb said.