1. NYHS Nepean Youth Homelessness Service A cross agency integration model accommodating and supporting young people with high needs Leanne Armstrong NYHS Coordinator, Marist Youth Care. Adrian Foon SAAP Strategy, NSW Community Services. Annie Rogers Mount Druitt Integrated Youth Service, Wesley Mission.

2. NYHS and the Nepean

• Joint agreement between DoCS, Housing NSW and NSW Health.

• 10 high needs and minimum14 early intervention support packages

• A snapshot of the Nepean youth SAAP and other NGOs include:

• - BMYASS, NYAS, EOW, Turning Point, Marist Youth Care, WISE Employment, The Rock Church, SPYNS, RFNSW, Relationships Australia .

3. Cross agency integration model Principal Agency $ Coordination Group Service eg reconnect Service eg disability Service eg health Service eg neighbour-hood centres Service eg Brighter Futures Service eg SAAP Service eg CSGP adolescent Service eg family support

4. Cross agency integration model Partner Service Principal Agency Coordination Group

• Develop client case plan and apply to Coordination Group for case managed brokerage packages

• Manage brokerage package and coordinated case management plan for client

• Report on client progress to Coordination Group as required (eg monthly Case Managers report, participate in 3 monthly client case review)

• NB: Some, but not all services, will sit on the Coordination Group. The service does not have to be a SAAP provider, any organisation which delivers homelessness services can apply for brokerage packages.

• Manage brokerage funding

• Act as secretariat for Coordination Group

• Carry out reporting and data collection as required in service specification

• Develop policies and procedures for Coordination Group

• NB: The Principal Agency can make client referrals to the Coordination Group on the same basis as other partner services.

• Make decisions for case management brokerage applications from referring agencies/services

• Review and further develop coordinated case management plan for client with other key support providers (homelessness and mainstream)

• Periodically review progress of case plans and amend as necessary (eg 3 monthly client case review)

• Report on systemic barriers to service delivery to Principal Agency

• NB: Membership representation is flexible. Large geographical areas may have more than one group.

5. LM referral pathway into NYHS

• LM was referred by a volunteer street worker from Salvation Army which whom she had a long historical relations of 5 years.

6. Referral Pathway

• Chronic history of homelessness

• Sleeping rough

• Couch surfing

• Daily drug and alcohol use poly substance user

• Family isolation

• Crisis driven life style

• Lack of resources/skills

• Undealt loss and grief issues

• Depression

• Self living skills

• Debts

• Undesirable source of income

• Find appropriate service provider-Wesley mission

7. Client LM pathway into NYHS

• Health/Medical

• Drug and Alcohol

• Legal issues

• Living Skills

• Cultural needs

• Victim of Crime

• Family relationships

• Crisis interventions

8. Client LM pathway into NYHS

• Education

• Mental health

• Recreation and Social

• Material Aid

• Anger and aggression

9. OUTCOMES OF LM

• Sustained tenancy

• Re-linked to siblings and family

• Volunteer worker Camp leader

• Gym membership

• Extensively reduced Drug and Alcohol

• Increased life skills-drivers license, cooking

• Independent living

• Controlled mental health

• Maintained budget

10. OUTCOMES OF LM

• Cultural awareness/activities

• Improved Health

• Better choices re relationships/friendships

• Education- future goal

• Employment-job network

• Greater communication skills and self expression

• Honesty

11. Other Client Outcomes

• Reduction in Drug and Alcohol dependence links with counselling to support.

• Ongoing participation and engagement in mental health appointments, treatment, assessments and general health services.

• Part time employment.

• Links to education and training.

• Improved living and budgeting skills

• Increased confidence and engagement with the community and other services

12. Other client outcomes

• Greater sense of self

• Pride

• Ownership

• Stronger more appropriate relationships

• Reduction in criminal activity

• Improved parenting skills/knowledge

13. Project Challenges and Risks

• HNSW property allocation

• Client non participation with support providers

• Client transfer of properties

• Clients changes in circumstances during tenancy

• Brokerage administration and client data collection

• Coordinated Case management practice

14. Contact details

• Leanne Armstrong NYHS Coordinator, Marist Youth Care.

• Ph: 4728 6801. Mb: 0408 219 979.

• Em: [email_address]

• Adrian Foon SAAP Strategy, NSW Community Services.

• Ph: 9716 2275.

• Em: [email_address]