eyhc 2011: a step ahead beginning with the end in mind

A Step Ahead: Beginning with the End in

MindMelbourne Citymission’s Foyer Plus Programs – The Best Response to Youth Homelessness

FOYER PLUS MODELS

Precinct model 6 apartments, located in Fitzroy North)

High Density model Lion Garden (8 apartments, located in CBD) Ladder (12 apartments, located in

Collingwood)

Neighbourhood model 6 dispersed transitional properties located in

Inner North and Inner South

PARTNERSHIPS

HISTORY

Step Ahead program was the first Foyer like model of its kind in Victoria

Step Ahead began in 2004 under the name Youth Transition Model- included Lion Garden and Neighbourhood model in 2007 the program received recurrent funding from the Department of Human Services and was renamed the Step Ahead program

Ladder began in 2007- partnership with AFL Players Association

Youth Precinct opened in 2010/2011

WHO WE WORK WITH:

Aged 16-25 Male and Female At risk of homelessness or dislocated from

mainstream supports Engaged in some kind of Education,

Employment or Training; or motivated to reengage with these

WHAT WE OFFER

Fully furnished, self contained supported housing for 2-3 years

Intensive holistic casework support

Early intervention Links to Education,

Employment and/or Training

WHAT WE OFFER (continued)

Living Skills Program Community connections Mentoring program (Ladder) After hours On Call service Up to 6 months After care

Young people, Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development, and Minister for Sport and Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness

Mark Arbib and mentors

AIMS

Support a transition from dependence to independence

Offer long term stability and security- provides platform to explore EET options

Provide opportunity for participation in project development

Providing empowerment and encouraging responsibility

Improve employability Improve quality of life and connections to

natural networks

REFERRALS

Vacancy will be listed on the Opening Doors resource register as ‘transitional support’

Referrals accepted through any ‘open door’ in Victoria (except for Precinct- only North West region). Access points fax through IAP form to the Foyer Plus team

The Foyer Plus team reviews suitability of referrals. The Foyer Plus team interviews suitable applicants Applicants who are selected are notified by phone

and sign up time is arranged. We will also notify the relevant ‘open door’ and support worker if appropriate

Homelessness PathwaysInto

HomelessnessThrough

Homelessness

Out of Homelessness

education

Mental health

Drug & alcohol

Return home

Change in family structure

Family reconciliation

Child protection

Justice

SOME THINKING....LEARNINGS

Shift from individualised outcome to ‘whole of person’ packaged support

Shift from fragmented & silo approached service delivery to a connected framework that mirrored lives of the people we work with

Several funding streams ‘Partner with’ rather than a mutual agreement Outcomes focus rather than throughput Strategic planning to commit to ‘providing the best

response to homelessness’ Service Integration & cross sector relationships key Facilities and Location/s How do we think differently about the business of the

business

BUT IT CAN BE DIFFICULT….

Youth rights based approach - can narrow options Focused on facilitating access to accommodation

– rarely involve consideration of other elements eg health, D & A, EET

Parameters, boundaries and funding requirements Shift in policy and practice – let’s move to true

mainstream If we are unable to deliver then who can The lived experience of homelessness for young

people– needs to be validated, acknowledged and legitimised, time & space

WORKING TOWARDS BEST PRACTICE / OUTCOMES? WE THINK SO

The Package: ▪ Long term stable accommodation ▪ Intensive case management support▪ EET packaged support▪ Living skills/Mentoring

The Model: Precinct model – multiple service providers and partners, funding streams, visiting

services – on one site

Density model – close proximity to services, less services onsite but stand alone

Neighbourhood model – immersed in community, reflects natural networks to community, friends, family, local support, capacity to seek out support when required

OUTCOMES

About half the participants were well protected against homelessness.

Ten participants were protected against homelessness.

Four participants were vulnerable to homelessness.

Recent research led by Associate Professor Dr Marty Grace at Victoria University on the Step Ahead Model found:

OUTCOMES

The combination of accommodation and support made it possible for young people to pursue their EET goals

Program expectations helped improve motivation

80% had completed Year 12, 37% completed post school qualifications

WHERE TO NEXT: SOME THINKING

Transportability of model Design Who is the client/cohort? Linked evidence to outcomes Cost effective analysis

CONTACT US

Mandy Baxter: mbaxter@mcm.org.au 03 9680 8257

Lisa O’Brienlobrien@mcm.org.au 03 9680 8217

Step Ahead Research Linkhttp://www.melbournecitymission.org.au/Latest-News/Research-launched-to-help-prevent-youth-homelessness