Minister connecting with youth in Melbourne’s north

The Minister for Community Services, John Cobb, today toured the successfully run Crossroads Reconnect service, which provides mediation, counselling and support sessions for young people in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

‘It is important when young people are feeling vulnerable and isolated within their community that services, such as Crossroads Reconnect, work with them to keep them connected with their families, their schools and to their communities,’ Mr Cobb said

‘This service provides assistance to more than 60 people, aged 12-18 years, who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, and their families.

‘The Australian Government provided more than $185,300 this year to the Salvation Army Crossroads Youth and Family Services to deliver parenting education and training sessions as well as one on one support for local young people.

‘The service is one of 98 Reconnect services funded under the Australian Government’s $20.7 million initiative, helping more than 5,000 young people and their families around the country each year.

‘This funding highlights the Government’s continued commitment to providing young people with the support and services they need to remain connected with their families and communities,’ Mr Cobb said.