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GREATER DANDENONG YOUTH NETWORK THURSDAY 8 AUGUST 2013

9:30 – 11:00 AM GOVERNMENT SERVICES BUILDING, THOMAS STREET DANDENONG

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Welcome / Introductions/ Apologies

All welcomed and traditional land owners acknowledged. Apologies requested (See attendance and apologies list below)

Presentation on City of Greater Dandenong’s Youth Services new SSA/LGBTIQ program Unite

Mark Carter (Team Leader –Participation and Engagement) advised the group of Youth Services new program for SSA/LGBTIQ young people, Unite, which is delivered in partnership with Headspace. The program will start in term 4 (early October), and involves: 1) creating a platform at Y-Stop for SSA/LGBTIQ youth advocacy in which young people help identify the

current challenges faced by SSA/LGBTIQ youth in the City of Greater Dandenong (CGD) (advocacy committee);

2) providing emotional support and information to youth who identify as SSA/LGBTI living, working or having significant relationships at CGD (support group);

3) providing opportunities for youth who identify as SSA/LGBTIQ to enhance their social connection with other young people in the region (social events).

Consultations were recently conducted with SSA/LGBTIQ young people to support the design and delivery of a program that meets the needs of this cohort.

All are welcomed to refer SSA/LGBTIQ young people to YStop seeking out a group like this.

The following questions were asked during the presentation:

- What is the age range of the program? 15-20 years

- Will the facilitators be specifically trained to cope with issues faced by this cohort? The group will be run in conjunction with CGD Counselling and Youth Support team and Headspace.

Presentation on Youth Homelessness in the School East,

Council to Homeless Persons

Ian Gough (Council to Homeless Persons, CHP) spoke to the group about the role of CHP which works to

Minutes

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from Council to Homeless Persons, WAYSS and Hanover Welfare Services.

end homelessness through leadership in policy, advocacy, capacity building and consumer participation. Over 20,000 Victorians experience homelessness on any given night and over 105,000 across Australia. Ian advised that the government released a White paper into the affordable housing crisis; however they are still tracking in the wrong direction with more and more people unable to sustain affordable and safe housing.

Ian spoke of CHP consumer programs Including-

The Homelessness Advocacy Service (HAS) is the key advice and information service for consumers seeking or receiving assistance from any Victorian community-managed homelessness assistance or social housing service. The goal of HAS is to achieve mutually beneficial resolutions for consumers and service providers. It achieves this goal by providing consumers and service providers with:

- secondary consultation - appropriate and accurate information - problem-solving - complaints resolution - referral and advice.

HAS recognises everyone’s right to live with dignity and supports this approach to service delivery.

The Peer Education Support Program (PESP) is a volunteer program that provides people who have experienced homelessness with the opportunity to improve the service system. PESP team members play a key role in promoting the benefits and transformative power of consumer participation in service system and policy development. PESP activities include:

- consumer participation training and advice - group and individual presentation - peer facilitation of focus groups, interviews or surveys - peer support - media activities - consultation with all levels of government - consultation with the specialist homelessness support services (SHSS) and related sectors - participation on working / steering groups and committees

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Ian encouraged all to refer any young people interested in becoming a peer educator, he advised that they have an annual intake, the term is 2 years. They are initially given 8 weeks training and are when provided with ongoing training during their term. Ian spoke generally about Youth Homelessness and advised of people who receive New Start only 1% are able to access affordable rent (30% of income), and of young people on youth allowance none are able to access affordable rent. It is also extremely difficult for young people to access rentals due to from landlords and real estate agents. Ian advised that it is very difficult for housing services to support homeless persons due to the lack of housing options available. He also spoke of Rooming Houses and advised that many of these are operating unregulated with terrible condition and are extorting the renters; unfortunately this option for housing has become the only option for many homeless including young people.

Ian suggested that advocacy about the issue is an important avenue to support the homeless youth and the sector as there is a real need for more affordable housing.

WAYSS

Sandra Roldan (Co-ordinator of Dandenong Youth Support Services, WAYSS) and James Lemondine (Co-ordinator of Emergency Youth Accommodation, WAYSS) presented to the group the following information. Sandra agreed with Ian and reiterated that options for homeless young people are extremely limited and that many of the options available to them are potentially unsafe e.g. Rooming Houses. WAYSS have limited housing resources including only 10 THM (Transitional Housing) within Dandenong. WAYSS youth services work from a prevention family focused model, all young people that present at WAYSS are seen by the intake team they are assessed and advised of the options (realities) available to them. Connections and links with family/friends or other supports are encouraged. WAYSS look to work collaboratively with other support workers to support the young people. WAYSS youth services offer intensive assessments, case management and insensitive support, they look at being creative to open up options for their clients.

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Sandra also advised that they are currently doing some advocacy with local rooming house manages and other sector advocacy. James spoke to the group about WAYSS youth refuge in Dandenong, this included: WAYSS youth refuge- The Refuge is a 10 bed facility where all residents stay under the one roof in one bedroom ensuites. Young people are provided with Case management and accommodation support over a 6 weeks stay with meals included. Staff are rostered on at the refuge 24/7 including sleepovers, staff include Residential Youth Case Workers, Casuals, Specialist worker and ITHM worker. Young people referred must be willing to agree to rights and responsibilities, rules and expectations. Reasons for presenting include:

- Family violence – IVO - Asked to leave / left home - Lack or minimal Income - Exhausted options for support from family / friends

Composition of the household includes that 30% of residents are born overseas, females make up %55, majority of young people are 17 years old, average stays are 2-4 weeks and 60% of residents are not in Employment, Education or Training. Priority will be given to singles 16-17 years. Eligibility for young people includes

- Homeless or at risk of homelessness - must agree to rules/model - be willing to engage in support and address issues/needs.

James spoke to the group about why some young people are declined, these included: Priority given to more vulnerable 16 & 17 years – other refuges prefer 20+ The current household / house dynamic (E.g. Someone trying to stay away from drugs – and a current user in the house) Significant Health / Mental Health issues If a previous stay didn’t go well – but depending on conversation / learning’s Judgement call by staff

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The following statistics highlight the exit points for young people in the refuge: - Family / friends / partners – 25% - Shared housing – 25% - THM / Supported housing – 25% - Evicted – (some young people do not manage in refuge) -10%

To refer young people to the Refuge please contact directly: EYA 9791-5692 (24/7) HANOVER Jess Thomas and Marijana Popadic (Housing Support Services, Hanover Welfare Services) provided the group with a presentation on the following information: Hanover Dandenong 35 Robinson Street, Dandenong VIC 3175 Office hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week After Hours Service Opening hours: 4.30pm-8am Monday to Friday and all day Saturday/Sunday

• A person aged between 17-18 presents AH: An AH worker will contact youth refuges (firstly EYA Dandenong and then other refuges) to accommodate the person. If HD has a vacant room they may be accommodated their overnight.

• A person aged 16 or below presents to AH: An AH worker will contact child protection (also an after hours service). A child protection worker will then speak to the client and assess their situation. Child protection will then take over with the client from there.

Crisis Centre Hanover Dandenong offers support to people in need of immediate accommodation who present at Key Access Points (WAYSS and PYFS). Support includes:

Short term residential accommodation within a case management structure

Case planning

Information and Advice

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Financial assistance

Advocacy and Referral

Assistance to secure more suitable long term housing Client must present at Hanover Dandenong after 5pm to complete overnight interim intake, a full intake and assessment is completed the following day with their allocated support worker. A client can stay at the crisis centre for 4-6 weeks as they work towards their housing goals. For Outreach Support the Support Worker will contact the client and schedule a mutually convenient time for intake and assessment. Youth Foyer – The Youth Foyer is student accommodation situated on the Holmesglen Waverley Campus (Glen Waverley) accommodating 40 young people at a time. The program is a partnership between Brotherhood of Saint Laurence and Holmesglen TAFE0. The Foyer is supervised by staff 24/7 and provides young people with: - Pathways to education, training and employment; - An opportunity to develop independent living skills (each young person completes a Certificate 1 in Developing Independence); - A safe and affordable place to live for up to 2 years; - Support from trained staff. Each young person has their own room including a kitchenette, bathroom and learning area, whilst also having access to a communal kitchen and lounge rooms. Eligibility includes young people who are aged between 16-24, unable to live at home, willing to engage in education and training and willing to engage with supports. *Clients with ties to the Glen Waverley area is desirable. The young person needs to engage in employment, training or education and in return they will be provided with safe and affordable accommodation and support to reach their goals in these areas. New Directions - New Directions is a two year program designed to address homelessness. The program aims to provide stable accommodation and support for people experiencing homelessness while they establish an education, training, and employment pathway that will enable them to get back on their feet and live independently. Eligibility for the program includes:

• 18 years of age and over

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• Either alone, couple or family • Linked in to employment services • Underemployed with a maximum gross income not exceeding $565 per week • Experiencing or at risk of homelessness • Dose not meet Victorian Office of Housing Segment 1 eligibility criteria • Involved in or planning to commence study, training and/or employment • Prepared to engage in housing support • Prepared to sign a lease under the Residential Tenancies Act

Ridge - This program provides time limited accommodation and support so that people can re-enter the private rental market, without becoming homeless. The accommodation is available for a period of 60 days, the properties are in Dandenong and Sunshine and people are required to sign a residential tenancy lease and engage with a support worker. People will be required to actively pursue alternative long term housing options. Where this is not occurring, program accommodation and support is jeopardised.

• Clients may be referred from external agencies • Families and single adults (over 18) • The ability to obtain/maintain private rental accommodation • A reliable source of income (inclusive of Centrelink income) but preferably working or job ready • Is committed to working with a Support Worker on identified goals eg. education, training,

employment, improved health or family reunification to find long term housing • Have a history of living independently • Is committed to actively working towards securing ongoing tenure outside of the program

Family Focus – the family focused program is funded directly through FaHCSIA, and aims to identify effective methods of recognising families at risk of homelessness and provide early assistance to prevent family homelessness occurring. The program is a partnership model between Hanover Dandenong and Centrelink Dandenong. Families must be 2 or more persons who live together in the same household, who are related to each other by blood, de facto or de jure marriage, or adoption. Not yet homeless- current tenancy is salvageable and sustainable and reside in Dandenong, Doveton, Endeavour Hills or

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Keysborough. Families must also be willing to take over the lease after a two year support period. For further information contact: Jess: jthomas@hanover.org.au Marijana: mpopadic@hanover.org.au Hanover Dandenong : 9792 0750 During questions and discussion it was mentioned that Youthlinks deliver a 3 day intensive housing program that supports young people to access the private rental market.

Information Sharing

Lighthouse Foundation – Rei Alphonson Rei would like to start a complex care network for those working with SSA/ LGBTIQ young people. For those interested please make contact with Rei on reia@lighthousefoundation.org.au South East Youth Connections (SEYC) Taskforce Re-engagement Programs - Jessica Edwards SEYC are running 3 re-engagement programs for disengaged young people: All About Sports – recreation program at the Pop-up-park Dandenong, Wednesdays 1.30-2.30pm from 21 August to 18 September for young people 14-17years. Dig Up Grow Up – a program that explores landscaping and outdoor furniture making and art. Thursday and Fridays during term 3 for young people 13-19years. Be Ur Self - a new group for young people aged 14-21 who are questioning or identify as GLBTI. For further information contact Jessica on 1800 609 889 or 0431 709 454 or jessicae@taskforce.org.au To see the flyers flyer please find in the August GDYN Ebulletin found at http://www.greaterdandenong.com/document/7600/greater-dandenong-youth-network

Link Employment – Helen Stephens Helen advised the group of Link employments new pre-apprenticeship starting soon in Automotive and Building & Construction. Please contact Helen for further information on helen.stephens@linkemploy.org.au AMES Education – Kyaw Soemoe

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Kyaw advised that AMES have a variety of programs supporting young people. For further information please contact AMES on 8791 2401. SEADS Youth Supported Accommodation Program (YSAP)- Luis Gil YSAP caters for young people aged between the ages of 16 – 21 years of age (inclusive). All clients enter on a voluntary basis and must have a history of homelessness and drug and/or alcohol issues. The housing provided is for around 12 months, during which time, the young person must participate in individual treatment plans. This includes meeting appointments with me on a weekly basis and a Drug and Alcohol counsellor fortnightly. I also tend to create care teams around all of my clients to address any unaddressed issues that I may identify, such as, general health and well-being, medical, dental, training, vocational, mental health, specialist employment, etc… Some of the other services provided include information and referral, aiming towards residing in public housing or private rental at the end of the placement. The program has high expectations on clients being reasonably self-motivated and self-reliant but gives young people the opportunity to turn their lives around if they’re willing to work for it. Unfortunately, it’s not for everyone and we do have some clients that either get evicted early on in the program or bail out once they realise what they’ve gotten themselves into. Sometimes the expectations or commitments are too much for some young people to comply with. Young people that do successfully complete the program tend to continue onto more stable and productive lives than they had prior to entering the program. If you’re unsure if our program is suitable for a particular client please feel free to contact me on my mobile for any further information or clarification of the above mentioned. Contact Luis Gil on 9706 9905 or 0404 859 730 or luis.gil@southernhealth.org.au. For the information flyer and referral form please find in the August GDYN Ebulletin found at http://www.greaterdandenong.com/document/7600/greater-dandenong-youth-network SEAAC – Michelle Rowland Michelle advised the group of SEAAC’s programs including their Homework support programs,

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ATTENDANCE LIST

Settlement program, L2P for Monash, PIE program. For further information about the programs visit their website at http://www.seaac.org.au/programs During discussion James (WAYSS) requested information about programs on accessing and using Social Media for young people, Maree Radford from Chisholm advised that she knew of a program.

Next Meeting Thursday 3 October 2013 9:30am – 11:30am, 165 – 169 Thomas Street, Dandenong, and you will need to enter via the Thomas

Street entrance (the one with the revolving door). Agenda to be confirmed.

Present

No Name Agency/Organisation

1 Allison Carstens DHS

2 Angela Kyriakopoulos Council to Homeless Persons

3 Anita Bell DHS – Youth Justice

4 Biljana Komnenovic CGD

5 Charles Opoku SELLEN

6 Danielle Finnigan DHS

7 Danielle Kastl DCAB

8 Elizabeth Kerrigan DHS

9 Emma-Lee Kelly Youth Justice

10 Gayle Stapleton Moira

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11 Gordon Exner Victorian Police

12 Gwen Finnigan Chaplaincy Australia

13 Michelle Loulier Youthlinks – Student

14 Sandra Roldan WAYSS

15 Ian Gough Council to Homeless Persons

16 James Lemondine WAYSS

17 Jennifer Furtado DVJS Employment Solutions

18 Jessica Wheaton Youth Justice – Student

19 Juliana Kim DHS

20 Carla Machado DHS – Refugee Minor Program

21 Helen Stephens Link Employment

22 Caitlin Cox WAYSS

23 Changjwok Ajak Chollo Community

24 Kimberly Foster-Johnson ECHO

25 Kylie Hodges Moira

26 Laura Wilks SMRC

27 Steph Haikal WAYSS

28 Leanne Copper Victorian Police

29 Maryanne Mason Southern Health

30 Luis Gil SEADS/ELMHS

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31 Maree Radford Chisholm Institute

32 Emma Napier Chisholm Institute – Student

33 Jess Turtiainen Chisholm Institute – Student

34 Courtnee Fox Chisholm Institute – Student

35 Dylan Lewis Chisholm Institute – Student

36 Haka Tawhiti Chisholm Institute – Student

37 Aidan Leenstra Chisholm Institute – Student

38 Victorina Simon Chisholm Institute – Student

39 Amelia Purcell Chisholm Institute – Student

40 Michelle Cafun Chisholm Institute – Student

41 Claudia Thoms Foundation House

42 Linda Smart Mission Australia

43 Margot Hennessy AMES

44 June Michael The Smith Family

45 Michelle Rowland SEAAC

46 Mike Enticott YSAS

47 Marianne Micheluzzi DHS - Youth Justice

48 Caroline Augustin Connections

49 Michelle Evans Moira

50 Rei Alphonso Lighthouse Foundation

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51 Kyaw Soemoe AMES Education

52 Alexsandra Voyvodic Dandenong High School

53 Sean Oliver DHS

54 Shae Airdrie DHS

55 Sheena Demiris Chisholm

56 Shukrullah Shukrullah Anglicare Victoria

57 Therese Fitigerald Oakwood School

58 Andrew Gai Anglicare Victoria

59 Maya Chandra CMY

60 Tibet Churchill DCAB

61 Tomasa Morales Catholic Care

62 Jessica Thomas Hanover

63 Marijana Popadic Hanover

64 Taiba Kiran AMES Education

65 Laurenza Buglisi SECASA

66 Jessica Edwards South East Youth Connections

67 Meagan Skehill CGD Youth Services

68 Mark Carter CGD Youth Services

69 Jill Wilson CGD Youth Services

70 Rosie Van Schilfgaarde Not Specified

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71 Talia Feigen

72 Maria Wharehing ture

73 Maddy Giummarra

74 Moreen Pakwan

75 Matthew Sudomlak

76 Alex Van Buren

77 Alex Nunn

78 Bree Tapper

79 Sharon Lamberty

80 Anon

81 Anon

Apologies

1 Silivia Mazzarelle Windermere

2 Kirsty Saunders CGD – Health and Wellbeing

3 Virginia Dods Commission for Children and Young People

4 Liz Tomazic Southern Health – SFYS

5 Rhonda Dumicich Grow

6 Melissa Grabert YouthLink

7 Kei Judd SMLS

8 Julia Ottobre CGD Youth Services – GRIPP

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9 Aimee Hughes DHS – Youth Justice

10 Margot Hennessy AMES

11 Monica Yates Windermere

12 Margie Pickersgill DHS – Centrelink