Aim of the Service

Youth Support is a program directed towards youth between 10 and 18 who are at risk of entering the justice system via contact with police, risk taking behaviour such as vandalism and minor theft and who may be at risk of disengaging from school and family all at the same time.

Eligibility

To be able to work with a YSS worker:

• Client needs to be between 10 and 18yrs of age:
• At risk of offending or having regular contact with Police:
• Clients first contact with Police in last three months:
• Client cannot work with YSS if involved with Youth Justice or Child Protection (each case assessed on individual basis with Child Protection)

How to get an appointment

Intake is done by the YSS worker so any online, walk in and phone referrals can come to Youth Support Services and be checked over for eligibility before officially taking the client onto accepted list.   Most referrals YSS receive are from Police via VPERs or from the Children’s Court Youth Diversion Program.  When booking an appointment, sometimes the wait may be two weeks and will most likely occur within PCC for the first appointment.

Any other locations for appointments?

YSS can offer outreach to educational settings or meet with the client at a central bakery or café. YSS worker will not attend a client’s house unless accompanied by a co-worker, this can incur a longer wait time due to scheduling.

Cost?

No cost at all for YSS services. Some costs may occur if referrals to other services incur a cost but that will be all discussed within the process of which referrals would be appropriate.