Overcoming youth homelessness in the Northern Territory
Youth homelessness in the Northern Territory (NT) is a critical issue, affecting young individuals aged 12 to 24 who lack stable housing. This includes those living on the streets, in shelters, temporarily with friends, or in overcrowded conditions. The NT has some of the highest rates of youth homelessness in the country, driven by unique challenges such as remote locations. The primary causes include family breakdown, domestic violence, economic hardship and mental health issues.
The region's vast distances and limited access to services further exacerbate the issue of youth homelessness in the NT. Support services like crisis accommodation, transitional housing and outreach programs are vital in providing both immediate relief and long-term solutions to help young people achieve stability and independence.
Addressing these challenges demands a coordinated effort from government bodies, non-profit organisations, and community-based programs. Government-funded initiatives such as YWCA Australia's CASY House and Alice Springs Youth Accommodation & Support Services (ASYASS) are playing a pivotal role in making a substantial impact.
YWCA Australia's CASY House is making a significant impact as the only youth crisis accommodation facility in Darwin for young people aged 15 to 18. Serving as a critical lifeline, it supports those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Funded by the NT Government, the 8-bed emergency accommodation facility ensures that young people of any gender have a safe place to sleep for up to 3 months. The support extends beyond basic needs, with the dedicated team at CASY House offering 24/7 support. An early intervention case manager develops individualised support plans to ensure appropriate referrals to specialist services that provide support for alcohol and other drugs, domestic violence and mental health just to name a few.
All young people at CASY House receive support to build and improve their independent living skills through a structured program. They are provided guidance in budgeting, cooking, cleaning, and self-advocacy - essential skills for establishing independence and building confidence for the future. The facility also assists residents to transition into secure and safe medium-term accommodation when appropriate.
CASY House provides a safe and welcoming residential environment for up to 8 young people at a time in a purpose-built facility. CASY House collaborates with other YWCA supported youth accommodation programs and external youth service providers to facilitate client access and remain informed about developments in the youth sector.
The support does not end after leaving accommodation. Young people may continue to receive outreach support from case managers. Staff also provide in-house mentoring opportunities for practical living skills. The emphasis is on collaboration - working together on tasks like meal preparation and maintaining a clean, healthy living environment. CASY House staff also keep clients informed about community events, volunteering, and paid employment opportunities, actively encouraging their participation.
CASY House not only provides immediate relief but also empowers young people to overcome their challenges and achieve lasting success. It advocates for and assists young people to negotiate personal and systemic barriers to achieving their income, education, health, and wellbeing objectives. Recognising diversity in all its forms, CASY House promotes the rights of all service users to equity and freedom from all types of discrimination.
Through its comprehensive and compassionate approach, CASY House exemplifies the critical role targeted support services play in addressing youth homelessness, contributing significantly to the overall well-being and stability of the broader Darwin community.
Similarly, Ampe Akweke Place is a vital community resource in Alice Springs, dedicated to providing safe and supportive housing for young mothers and their children. Established to address the critical need for secure accommodation, the program focuses on fostering independence and ensuring the well-being of its residents. Ampe Akweke Place serves young women aged 13 to 23 who are pregnant or have a baby under 2 years old, offering both outreach support and residential support for those with no suitable and safe place to stay. This 5-bed facility is run by ASYASS, an organisation committed to empowering young families and offering them a stable environment. Young women can stay in the safe house for up to 3 three months, during which residential support workers provide parenting education, health support, and case management. By providing tailored support and access to safe housing options, Ampe Akweke Place aims to help mothers raise strong, healthy children while navigating the challenges of parenthood. The program ensures that the health needs of the mothers and their children are met and strives to create a foundation of independence and stability for these young families.
Olivia1, a determined 23-year-old mother, turned to Ampe Akweke Place in September 2023, facing intense housing stress, overcrowding, and health risks for herself and her one-year-old. Pregnant with her second child and without family support in Alice Springs, Olivia struggled in an unstable environment. The support she found at Ampe Akweke Place offered her refuge and a path to stability, helping her navigate the challenges of raising a young family.
Initially, Olivia lacked antenatal care, food security, hygiene facilities, and family support. Ampe Akweke Place partnered with Alukura Women's Health Service to provide pregnancy support and health checks. With ASYASS staff help, Olivia attended appointments and met her child's health needs. ASYASS provided essential supplies like nappies, hygiene products, clothes, food, and toys. Olivia received daily support and mentoring, learning vital self-care and childcare skills. Emotional support addressed her concerns, and she secured financial support and identification documents for her newborn.
Despite challenges, Olivia's strength shone through. She aimed for an independent life for her family. By December 2023, with targeted case management, Olivia, her partner, and their children moved into a 2-bedroom unit in Alice Springs. Continued case management helps them acquire skills for future private rental accommodation.
Seeing this family thrive in their own home is heartwarming. The comprehensive support from Ampe Akweke Place and ASYASS has profoundly benefited Olivia, enabling her to build a stable environment for her children.
Youth homelessness in the NT is a critical issue requiring a strategic response. Government-supported initiatives, such as YWCA Australia's CASY House and ASYASS provide crucial relief and long-term support. CASY House offers crisis accommodation and services to help young people develop independent living skills and secure stable housing. Ampe Akweke Place, supports young mothers like Olivia in achieving stability and self-reliance. These programs empower youth to overcome challenges and build brighter futures, enhancing community well-being.
1 Not her real name. Identifying details have been changed or omitted from this case study to protect anonymity.
