SERVICES TO YOUNG HOMELESS

Supported Accommodation Assistance Program

Service Development

Marists have been involved in caring for young homeless people in western Sydney since The Siding was opened as a youth refuge in 1981, housed in the century-old station master's residence at Emu Plains. Further developments followed:

1983 - The Annexe opened as a medium-term residential service in Emu Plains

1987 - GITS opened as an outreach service to young homeless

1994 - These services were foundation services in the newly incorporated Marist Community Services - now known as Marist Youth Care.

1995 - At the invitation of DoCS Marists assumed auspice of youth refuges in Hebersham and Shalvey

1996 - New service opened in Windsor

2003 - Margaret's Place opened as a medium term service in Marayong

2003 - Hebersham Abroriginal Service opened as a service to young Aboriginal people under temporary Marist auspice

Current Services

• The Siding - Short Term Refuge for male and female
• The Annexe - Medium term residential - male and female
• Marcellin Cottage - Medium term residential - male and female
• Margaret's Place - Medium term - female only
• HAYS - Aboriginal service
• GITS Programme - Outreach support for young homeless
• Post Release Support - Outreach support for young people exiting juvenile justice detention
• SAAP Resource Worker - Support to SAAP services in the area.

Short Term Programs:

• Safe accommodation up to six months
• Support in reconnecting with family
• Case management
• Support in school education where appropriate
• Support in accessing alternate education
• Support in accessing Centrelink and similar services
• Access to brokerage for specialist services
• Assistance in seeking longer term accommodation
• Support in returning to family where appropriate

Medium Term Programs:

• Safe accommodation up to 12 months
• Support in restoring and maintaining family links
• Support in educational and vocational needs
• Support in accessing Centrelink services
• Assistance in access brokerage resources where appropriate
• Assistance in moving to independent living.