The Salvation Army Youth Services has a range of programs for young people, their families and the community.

We welcome all people, regardless of race, gender, status, or sexual orientation. We understand that a safe space for growth is created when people feel believed in, valued, listened to and respected. Our centres are safe and supportive environments where you're free to be you.

Emergency contact numbers

• National Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Helpline (24 hours): 1800 737 732 (1800 Respect)
• Lifeline: 131 114
• Kids helpline: 1800 55 1800
• If you are concerned for the immediate safety of yourself or someone else, please call 000 for emergency assistance.

Looking for help for you or someone you know? We can help.

Housing and homelessness

Youth homelessness is often invisible. Young people are the most common group to experience couch surfing. This means they are in temporary living situations with friends, relatives or even complete strangers. If you are experiencing homelessness – or are at risk of becoming homeless, we can help you find and sustain safe, suitable and affordable housing.

We have a strong focus on prevention and early intervention. Some of the responses at our services include:

• A broad range of accommodation and housing options – find what you need, including crisis and transitional accommodation, supported residential care, independent living units and education focused housing
• Community-based outreach programs – supporting young people and their families, young parents and young people leaving care
• Life and living skills programs – develop lifelong skills that promote independence
• Holistic case management – supporting young people in: developing healthy relationships; engaging in education, training and employment pathways; enhancing health and wellbeing; and improving social connections

Employment and training

Our employment and training programs provide safe, supportive learning environments for young people to pursue future training goals and secure job opportunities.

• Employment orientation programs assist young people to develop a broad range of skills, through employment tasters, volunteering, leadership and mentoring programs
• Access and support for young people to participate in a range of vocational education and training activities
• Work readiness programs that provide opportunities to creatively learn and develop skills that increase employability
• Social enterprise opportunities are provided for young people experiencing barriers to employment. With support, young people gain qualifications and practical employment experience to successfully transition into longer term employment.

Education

Some young people may find mainstream schools challenging for many reasons including their family situation, experiences of trauma, bullying and mental health needs. However, young people remaining in education is an important factor in continuing to build independence. It reduces the risks of homelessness and engagement with justice, plus provides opportunities for further education and future training and employment.

Our schools provide a flexible, safe and welcoming space for young people to re-engage with learning and achieve their educational goals. These responses include:

• Independent schools where young people can continue their education.
• Specialist learning support is provided for students to enhance social and emotional learning and wellbeing
• In addition to teachers, we provide a range of support staff, including youth workers, vocational transition workers, psychologists and teacher’s aides

Alcohol and other drugs

Alcohol and other drug use is often thought of as a part of youth culture. But some young people use alcohol and other drugs as a means of coping with things like mental health, stress or peer pressure. Because young people’s brains are still developing, young people are at a greater risk of alcohol and other drug related harm.

Our practices are informed by young people and work to reduce harm by building on young people’s strengths and enhancing health, well-being, independence and resilience. We provide a range of youth focused responses, including:

• Community outreach that provides flexible case management support focusing on health and wellbeing, while also promoting family connection, housing, education, training and participation
• Access to individualised counselling, resources and support
• Residential options that offer therapeutic recovery support

Youth justice

We know that many young people can become involved with the youth justice system. We also know that navigating the justice system is a challenging time for both young people, their families and carers.

Our Youth Justice programs work in partnership with young people to identify the underlying causes of their offending behaviours. We work together to find solutions to overcome these challenges and empower young people to drive their own change.

Our programs have a strong focus on diverting young people from the justice system and promoting transferable and measurable skills that prepare young people for healthy relationships, and positive health and wellbeing. If you are navigating the justice system, our programs may be able to help. They include:

• Outreach case management that connects young people with family, education, training, employment, housing and community
• Restorative justice group conferencing encourages young people to take responsibility for their offending behaviour and develop insight into the impact of their offending on the victim, their family and/or significant others and the community

Specialist therapeutic responses

Experienced practitioners deliver specialist one-on-one and group therapeutic responses, that promote the development of positive relationships, allowing young people to build on their strengths, and foster resilience.

Our responses include:

• Therapeutic group work provides formal and intentional opportunities for meaningful discussions, shared learning, positive peer influences and development opportunities
• A focus on psychological wellbeing through counselling, information, resources and support assists young people to build on their strengths and enhance health, wellbeing, independence and resilience

Driver training

For a young person without a licence, navigating day-to-day activities can be challenging. If you aren't close to public transport, staying connected to friends or family can be hard and feel isolating. Having a driver licence opens doors to many opportunities that might have otherwise been inaccessible. A licence increases pathways to education and employment, provides greater choice and control in a person’s life, creates a sense of freedom and removes the barriers of social isolation.

If you are having trouble accessing mainstream driving programs, our driving training programs may be able to help. We can help you obtain your learner and/or provisional driver licence, and build your skills as an experienced, safe and confident driver.

Our driving training services include:

• Pre-Learner classes and individual support in preparation for licence tests
• Formal structured driver training by qualified instructors help young people to obtain the necessary competencies to achieve a Provisional driver licence
• Access to structured safe driving courses to enhance a young person’s hazard perception and improve awareness of overall road safety
• Mentoring support from an experienced mentor to develop safe driving practices whilst a young person works towards their required hours.

Find out more about our Driver training programs.

Find another support service

If you are concerned for the immediate safety of yourself, or someone else, please call 000 for emergency assistance. There are a number of other support services which you can access outside of The Salvation Army, including: